George Bamford is to become Joint Chairman of JCB alongside his father, Lord Bamford, marking the first change at the top of the Staffordshire manufacturer in more than 50 years.
Fresh from setting a new world land speed record of 406.320mph powered by its pioneering hydrogen technology, JCB is accelerating investment in its future, with major commitments to British manufacturing and new production capacity in the United States.
The announcement comes as the family-owned business reports pre-tax profits of £642 million on turnover of £5.7 billion for 2025, while pressing ahead with major investments in Rocester and Texas.
Locally, a £100 million transformation of JCB’s Staffordshire headquarters includes a £60 million fully automated powder paint plant and extensive shop floor modernisation, helping secure more than 8,000 UK jobs.
Its new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas, opens next month. The million-square-foot facility will be JCB’s largest worldwide, producing Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for North America.
Against challenging global conditions, turnover eased from £5.8 billion in 2024, with profits down from £687.3 million. Machine sales fell by around 5% to 113,498, but JCB increased its global market share and remained debt-free.
The results were delivered despite flat demand in North America and a 12% market contraction in India.
Lord Bamford said: “We have never been a company that stands still, and these investments will ensure JCB is well placed to seize the opportunities ahead.”
George Bamford, aged 45, highlighted the company’s continuing commitment to Britain. He said: “While JCB has expanded globally over the years, our home has always been here, and the record investment we are making in our facilities and in new products is good news for Britain and good news for JCB.”
The manufacturer now operates 23 factories and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.
Hydrogen-powered machines are also in production following a £100 million development programme, while 116 apprentices, undergraduates and graduates joined JCB this month.
Chief executive Graeme Macdonald forecast moderate growth in 2026, with additional capacity in Staffordshire and Texas positioning the business to capitalise on improving demand.
