A double-award winning electric mini excavator manufactured by JCB has notched up a significant milestone – the production of the 1,000th machine.
JCB went into full production with the world’s first volume-produced all-electric mini excavator in 2019 at its Compact Products factory in Cheadle, Staffs. Now the latest 19C-E model has rolled off the line marking a landmark moment in its short history.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “We are delighted with the success of JCB’s electric mini excavator, which is proving very popular around the world, particularly in North America, France and the UK where there is a growing demand for zero emissions equipment operating in urban environments.”
In 2019, the 19C-1E scooped one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious honours when the Royal Automobile Club presented JCB with the Dewar Trophy for ‘Outstanding Technical Achievement in the British Automotive Industry’.
The following year, the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK announced that the 19C-1E had won the MacRobert Award, a prize for innovation
The news of the machine milestone comes on the back of a Christmas boost for JCB employees with many UK shop floor workers being told they are to receive a 10 per cent pay rise next year.
In addition, all employees working for the company will receive a £2,500 lump sum cash payment in time for the festive period. Meanwhile, 500 agency workers – employed by Global Guidant – will be offered permanent roles with JCB.
JCB Chief Executive Graeme Macdonald said he was “pleased” that an agreement had been reached on a new pay deal before the end of the year.
He added: “I’m delighted that we will be able to make a lump sum cash payment of £2,500 to employees in time for Christmas in recognition of their ongoing commitment to JCB.”
The new pay deal was announced after negotiations between JCB management and representatives from the GMB union.
