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JCB WELCOMES GEORGIA GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL TO ITS WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Visit builds relationships and creates a solid foundation for future growth in Georgia

Leading heavy equipment manufacturer JCB welcomed Georgia Governor Nathan Deal to its World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, England on Tuesday the 17th of May. The governor was accompanied by Chris Cummiskey, commissioner, and Gretchen Corbin, deputy commissioner, both of Georgia’s Department of Economic Development. The visit to JCB is one stop on the Governor’s nearly two-week-long economic development trip to Europe.

Gretchen Corbin, Mike Harling, John Patterson, Governor Nathan Deal, Graeme Macdonald and Chris Cummiskey stop for a photo at the start of the JCB Backhoe production line

By visiting with JCB and other European companies with Georgia ties, Governor Deal and his staff plan to build strong relationships, promote the State as a solid location for new businesses or expansions and learn tactics that will have a positive impact on Georgia’s continued economic growth.

“Since selecting Savannah as the site of its North American headquarters, JCB has continued to invest in Georgia by expanding its product lines, hiring additional employees and creating valuable partnerships,” said John Patterson, chairman of JCB North America. “Today’s meeting with Governor Deal gave us the opportunity to share our vision and discuss strategies to promote even more economic growth.”

Chris Cummisky and Governor Nathan Deal listen as Graeme Macdonald explains the JCB manufacturing process

Following their arrival at JCB World Headquarters, Governor Deal and his staff took a tour of the facility, seeing firsthand where the world’s best-selling backhoes and Loadall telescopic handlers are produced. Upon the tour’s conclusion, the governor enjoyed a working lunch with John Patterson and Sir Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB worldwide. The three discussed JCB’s continued potential for growth in Georgia, including JCB’s plans to add 200 more jobs in Savannah in the near future.

“JCB has contributed and continues to contribute a great deal to the city of Savannah and the entire state of Georgia,” Governor Deal said. “To have a global organization like JCB locate its North American Headquarters in Georgia says so much about our state’s many strengths—its prime location, its dedicated workforce and its growing economy, just to name a few. I enjoyed meeting with JCB’s executives, learning more about the company’s future plans and developing sound relationships that will serve us well in the months and years ahead.”

Governor Nathan Deal listens as John Patterson outlines JCB's group operations

JCB is certainly well-positioned to have a positive effect on Savannah’s economy, and its overall growth strategy has the potential to make an impact outside of Georgia as well. The company is expanding its dealer network and opening additional distribution centers throughout North America.  “Because of our global perspective, we can play an active role by offering our unique insight into current and future economic development issues—not just locally, but also regionally and nationally,” Patterson added. “We hope to use this knowledge to assist Governor Deal and his staff as they continue to pursue their economic development goals.”

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JCB LAUNCHES NEW GENERATION SKID STEERS AND TRACK LOADERS

First JCB products to be designed, engineered and manufactured in North America

SAVANNAH, GA. (November 8, 2010)—JCB, one of the world’s largest heavy equipment manufacturers, has launched an exciting new line of highly productive and reliable skid steer loaders and compact track loaders. These “New Generation” machines are the first to not only be manufactured but also designed and engineered at the company’s North American headquarters in Savannah, Ga.

JCB Lanches 7 new models of skid steer and compact track loaders

John Patterson Deputy Chairman of JCB said: “North America generates 60 percent of the worldwide demand for skid steers and compact track loaders, so developing and producing the new generation of machines in Savannah makes perfect sense and has enabled us not only to meet the unique needs of the North American market but also develop a machine range that will have universal appeal.”

Today, JCB introduces a range of seven new skid steers- four wheeled and three tracked- in a range that will eventually grow to 18 models. All seven machines introduced today are vertical lift, which allows for increased capacity and more reach at maximum lift height. The models now available—the 260, 280, 300 and 330 wheeled skid steers and 260T, 300T, 320T compact track loaders—are large platform machines with rated operating capacities (ROC) of 2,600 lbs and above. With the introduction of the New Generation machines, JCB will be able to offer a complete range of wheeled and tracked machines, both radial and vertical lift, ranging from 1300lbs- 3500lbs.

The new generation machines benefit from a number of new features, including:

  • A tilting cab with increased service access
  • Multifunction joysticks
  • A hydraulic quick hitch
  • Isolated cab that is sealed and pressurized with reduced noise levels
  • Heated air-suspension seat with adjustable armrests
  • O-ring face seals for all hydraulic connections
  • A new range of more than 30 types of JCB attachments.

By combining JCB’s history of innovation with a number of additional enhancements, the New Generation machines offer an even wider range of benefits than the company’s previous skid steer and compact track loader product line:

o   Best-in-class visibility. The new vertical lift machines showcase JCB’s unique “PowerBoom” design, which uses a single arm, rather than the conventional two arm skid steer design. The JCB models do not require a torque tube across the back of the machine. Thus, operators can enjoy an unobstructed rear view and better all around visibility for unmatched job site safety and driver confidence. To further enhance visibility JCB has eliminated the mesh screen on the cab machines and replaced it with laminated glass.

o   Best-in-class serviceability. With O-ring face seal hydraulic fittings and a simplified design resulting in 38 percent fewer parts, JCB’s new machines are even easier to service.  A new tilting cab design gives technicians improved access to the machine’s power train and hydraulic components. The new models also feature a rear service door for easy access to the engine and daily checkpoints, a top-opening hood for radiator access and a hinged radiator for improved engine access.

o   Outstanding operator comfort. The new generation machines have a larger entry door and a 17% larger cab than previous models. JCB has also introduced multifunction joystick controls and an optional heated air-suspension seat with adjustable armrests, making JCB’s skid steers incredibly comfortable to operate. Redesigned control panels have been relocated from the lower console to the panels at the top of the cab to be within the operator’s line of sight. Other available creature comforts include cup holders, MP3 player compartment with charging outlet and auxiliary plug, optional stereo package and an electronic throttle.  Operators will also enjoy a quieter cab with noise levels at a very low 76dBa, an 85% improvement.

o   Versatility and performance. Switching to any of the machine’s impressive 30 attachment families is a snap thanks to a standard universal mechanical hitch or an optional hydraulic quick hitch.  Parallel lift and 2-speeds make it easy to maneuver around the job site and complete more tasks in less time, and with the introduction of an optional Smooth Ride System (SRS) transporting materials over rough terrain has been made easier.

o   Unmatched safety. As in previous models, the New Generation skid steers and compact track loaders feature a unique left side entry door that allows the operator to enter and exit the machine clear of the attachment and loader arm, making it the industry’s safest skid steer.

o   Exceptional value. Owning a JCB skid steer or tracked loader costs less due to increased productivity and serviceability. Overall fuel consumption has been reduced 15% equating to an estimated annual savings of more than $3,000 versus competitive machines (based on an off-road diesel price of $2.90).

JCB skid steers feature a unique PowerBoom design based on the same intelligent engineering as JCB’s market leading telescopic handler

“JCB has never shied away from innovation,” Patterson said. “Back in 1993, we introduced the industry’s first single-arm, or ‘monoboom’ skid steer, a safer, more productive machine that was based upon the same engineering principles as a telescopic handler, which also operates with a single boom. What seemed uncommon to others, JCB saw as common sense, and took the intelligent design of telescopic handlers and applied it to skid steer loaders.  Our New Generation skid steers and track loaders embody this same spirit of innovation while taking performance, productivity and safety to an even higher level.”

For more information about JCB’s New Generation skid steers visit www.JCBvision.com. For information on any of the company’s other industry-leading equipment for the construction, agriculture, industrial and waste/recycling markets, or to find a dealer near you, call JCB’s North American Headquarters in Savannah at (912) 447-2000 or visit www.jcbna.com.

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JCB MACHINES PLAY ROLE IN CHILEAN MINE RESCUE DRAMA

Machines made by JCB played their own small part in the Chilean mine workers’ rescue drama.

A fleet of around 10 JCB products operate at the San Jose copper and gold mine in Chile’s Atacama desert, where 33 miners were trapped more than 2,000 feet underground for 69 days when part of the pit collapsed on 5 August.

The JCB 531-70 Loadall telescopic handler pictured at the San Jose mine after delivering the rescue capsule.

In the minutes leading up to the successful rescue mission which started last Tuesday, a JCB 531-70 Loadall telescopic handler – made at the company’s World HQ in Rocester – arrived at the rescue shaft to deliver, on a set of forks, the capsule which brought the miners back to safety. Another JCB Loadall telescopic handler played an equally starring role below ground while the miners were trapped. Millions saw them using a 531-70 Loadall for a dual purpose – a method of getting around the mine and for sleeping in.

Carlos Hernández, JCB’s Regional Director for Latin America & Caribbean, said: “There’s obviously huge relief throughout Chile and the rest of world that all the miners were brought out safely after such a long ordeal.

“JCB’s products were used on a daily basis for a variety of tasks at the mine and we are delighted they played a very small role in what was one of the most amazing rescue stories of our time.

”The mine also uses JCB 436 and 456 wheeled loading shovel models made in Cheadle, a JCB 533-105 Loadall telescopic handler, a JCB JS200 tracked excavator made in Uttoxeter, a JCB 3C backhoe made in Brazil and a JCB VM115 roller made by JCB in Germany. The machines belong to JCB customers Pedro del Real and Zublin and were supplied by JCB’s Chilean dealer Derco.

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JCB Fields a Squad for World Cup Duties in South Africa

A squad of nine JCB Teletruk forklifts is playing a key role in preparing major stadiums that are hosting games during the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa.

The JCB Teletruks have been called up for general material handling duties during the final construction and fit-out stages of hospitality suites and visitor facilities in and around the six principal World Cup venues in time to welcome thousands of fans from around the world later this week.

All of the Teletruks have been supplied by Clarklift South Africa (PTY) Ltd., the JCB Industrial dealer in South Africa.

Two of the JCB Teletruks, manufactured by JCB Utility Products in the UK, have been deployed at Soccer City, Johannesburg – the main 94,000- capacity World Cup stadium that will stage the opening games as well as the 2010 World Cup Final.

There are also two machines working at the Durban Stadium and at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium, while there is one machine on each site at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, Free State Stadium at Bloemfontein and Peter Mokaba Stadium at Polokwane.

A JCB Teletruk in action at Soccer City, Johannesburg

Mike Poxon, International Sales Manager – JCB Industrial, said: “The tasks at the World Cup stadiums required a forklift truck that was flexible and capable of working on rough ground – and the JCB Teletruk fitted the bill perfectly.

“The Teletruk provides a superior lift capacity and forward reach that extends over debris and stock piles of building materials, as well as a compact size and 4WD capability to handle rugged site conditions and limited working spaces.”

This is not the first time that JCB machines have been called up for World Cup duty – a 22 tonne JCB JS220 tracked excavator was used in the construction of the showcase Allianz Arena in Munich – the main stadium for the 2006 World Cup in Germany and now home to FC Bayern Munich.

Mike Poxon added: “We are delighted that JCB’s world-renowned products have once again been selected to play an integral part in the world’s largest football competition.”

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UPDATE: Donated JCB Backhoes Helping to Rebuild Haiti

Many of you have been asking for an update on the backhoes JCB donated to Haiti following the earthquake in January of this year. The charitable organization that received the backhoes, Food for the Poor, has sent JCB a report and we wanted to share it with you:

JCB donated backhoe helps clear rubble in Haiti

Food For the Poor has been working diligently to help the people of Haiti recover from the catastrophic earthquake which struck the country on January 12th. Over the past three months we have ramped up our efforts to distribute relief aid such as food, medical supplies, and building materials as well as our project work to construct sanitation facilities, water supply, and housing.

Your donation of two backhoes has been a true God send to us at this time. To date we have used them to clear rubble, excavate sewage pits, dig out foundations, and reconstruct walls. Without this equipment our response efforts would have been less timely and more costly. Additionally, these backhoes will be extremely useful going forward as are faced with an overwhelming need for housing solutions, school construction, sanitation facilities, and other rebuilding efforts. We also plan to use these backhoes in the construction of sustainable income generating projects such as tilapia farms.

JCB Backhoe clearing rubble in Haiti.

We are extremely grateful for your generosity during this time of tragedy. Thank you for assisting Food for the Poor and the people of Haiti.

- Clement Belizaire Project’s Director of Food For The Poor of Haiti

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JCB HOSTS HUBERT MIDDLE SCHOOL’S RISER ACADEMY FOR DAY OF INSPIRATION AND EDUCATION

Group of motivated young men emphasizes the importance of discipline and focus

SAVANNAH, Ga. (May 24, 2010)—The sounds of laughter and learning rang through the halls at Savannah’s very own JCB facility on Wednesday, May 18. The heavy equipment manufacturer hosted 48 young men from Hubert Middle School’s Risers Academy for a day filled with education, inspiration and fun. 

Savannah Riser Visit JCB

The Risers Academy is a special initiative of Savannah’s Hubert Middle School that mentors boys from the Hubert neighborhood, helping them both meet and exceed their potential. Young men in the Risers Academy wear a uniform of white shirts with red ties and take special classes with tougher assignments and higher behavioral standards. The program’s name comes from a statement made by Richard Wright, a young African American man who attended school in a converted railroad box car in the mid-1800s. When a Union Army general visited the makeshift classroom, he asked what message he should take back about his experience. Wright stood up and said, “Sir, tell them we are rising.” Wright eventually became the founder and president of Georgia State College (now Savannah State University) and the founder of two Philadelphia banks.

Mike Werner, JCB’s vice president of operations, learned of the Risers Academy through his association with the Savannah School Board’s Educational Fund Committee. This particular committee provides monetary grants to worthy school projects, and Hubert Middle School submitted the Risers Academy as a project for consideration. “Our committee was intrigued by the Risers Academy’s mission, and as a result, I got the chance to visit the school and see what the program is all about,” Werner said. “I left very impressed by the Risers Academy and how it teaches these young men that with hard work and discipline, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”

Werner invited the Risers Academy to JCB’s North American Headquarters, giving the group an insider’s view into the heavy equipment manufacturer’s daily operations. The boys toured the facility, enjoyed lunch on site, participated in product demonstrations and learned about the importance of branding—not just for businesses and their products, but also on a personal level.

“We discussed how companies like Nike, BMW and McDonald’s, for example, all have logos that evoke certain perceptions from us when we see them,” Werner explained. “Because the Risers Academy has its own logo, I asked the group what that logo meant to them.”

The boys responded with the words “brotherhood,” “focus” and “discipline.” From there, Werner was able to help them understand how the members of the Risers Academy have in essence created their own brand. “I told them that your logo is part of your brand, as is your uniform,” Werner said. “But most importantly, we talked about how the behavior of each and every one of the boys is a part of the Risers Academy’s brand as well. In that way, they came to understand our actions have a profound impact on how we’re perceived.”

Following the branding presentation, the group met JCB employees who have taken distinct paths to their own personal definitions of success, coming from disadvantaged backgrounds or other hardships to achieve high levels of education and career achievement.

“I hope that the time these young men spent at JCB reinforced their dedication to staying the course,” Werner said. “The day’s message was that the process of learning and growing as a person never stops, but it’s up to each of us to keep pushing ourselves and make the most of our opportunities.”

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Backhoe Across America crew meets Sammy Stephens.

While traveling with the Backhoe Across America crew this past week, we wanted to get a little taste of local culture wherever we stopped. So when we stopped in Atlanta, we had to hit the Varsity for some chili cheese dogs. And when we got to Montgomery, AL the first thing we thought of was the Montgomery Flea Market guy. He made the phrase, “It’s just like a mini…mall” famous.

We talking about the youtube sensation Sammy Stephens who has had nearly 6 million views of his Montgomery Flea Market video on youtube. He’s been on such shows as The Ellen Degeneres Show, Maury Povich, BET, VH1 and they even did a parody of him on The Cleveland Show. So, when we went to his new store to ask him to plug our website JCBforHaiti.com, he jumped on the opportunity right away. As soon as he heard it was for charity through the Red Cross, he immediately got into character and did a quick little song and dance which you can view on JCBforHaiti.com. Thanks again to Sammy for being such a sport and for making Montgomery such a memorable stop.

Check out Sammy’s orginal video on youtube.

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JCB Embarks on Coast-to-Coast Fundraising Road Trip to Help Rebuild Haiti

The World’s Greatest Earthmover – a.k.a.: a bright yellow JCB 3CX backhoe loader – has hit the road on a 26-day, coast-to-coast fundraising “road trip” to help rebuild Haiti. JCB, one of the word’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment, hopes the “Backhoe Across America” cross-country campaign will both remind Americans that Haiti’s long road to recovery is only just beginning, and encourage them to show their continued support – either by visiting one of the 11 featured route stops or by visiting www.JCBForHaiti.com to make a donation. JCB aims to help raise $1 million for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

No Ordinary Road Trip

The JCB 3CX backhoe loader will begin its coast-to-coast trek from the beach at Tybee Island, Ga., on Friday, March 26, 2010. The backhoe then will travel more than 3,000 miles across the U.S., making fundraising “pit stops” at JCB dealerships in nine cities along the way, before reaching its final destination – the beach at California’s Santa Monica Pier – on April 20, 2010.

“Haiti’s road to recovery will be long and difficult,” said John Patterson, chairman and CEO, JCB Inc. “On behalf of everyone at JCB, we hope that the miles traveled and donations secured during Backhoe Across America will help ease the burden of the journey that lies ahead for this devastated nation.”

No Ordinary Backhoe

On a recent episode of the National Geographic and Discovery Channel show, ‘Greatest Ever’, the JCB backhoe was ranked number-one on a list of the “Greatest Ever Earthmovers.” With the Backhoe Across America campaign, JCB will put the Worlds Greatest Earthmover to an even greater test to see just how far a bucketful of charity can go to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives.

JCB invented the backhoe loader in 1953; today, the company is the world’s leading manufacturer of this versatile and reliable job-site solution, producing almost one out of every two backhoes sold worldwide. In keeping with the company’s long tradition of assisting disaster-relief efforts around the world, JCB already has donated two backhoe loaders in response to Haiti’s immediate recovery needs. And, most recently, JCB pledged to provide $100,000 worth of backhoe equipment for Chile’s earthquake victims.

No Ordinary Driver

JCB veteran employee Neil Smith will be the man behind the wheel as the backhoe makes its way across America. When Neil was growing up in Rocester, England, he walked by a large factory on his way to school each and every day. That factory was JCB’s World Headquarters. Not surprisingly, Neil dreamed of operating JCB’s signature bright yellow machines – but he had no way of knowing that the family-owned manufacturer would play a major role in his life for many years to come.

Now in his 37th year with JCB, Neil will operate the 3CX machine from start to finish, traveling at speeds up to 30 mph on secondary roads, which, by law, must be used throughout the trek due to the backhoe’s maximum speed limitations.

Tour Stops

March 26th…………………Tybee Island GA

March 30th…………………Atlanta, GA

April 1st……………………..Montgomery, AL

April 7th…………………….Baton Rouge, LA

April 9th…………………….Houston, TX

April 10th…………………..Dallas, TX

April 12th…………………..Lubbock, TX

April 16th…………………..Phoenix, AZ

April 19th…………………..Fontana, CA

April 20th…………………..Finish Line Party at the Santa Monica Pier

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JCB – Did You Know

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The World's Greatest Earthmover to Embark on Coast-to-Coast Fundraising “Road Trip” in Partnership with the American Red Cross

3,000-Mile Charity Drive Aims to Raise $1 Million for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund

SAVANNAH, Ga. (March 15, 2010) – In response to the ongoing needs in Haiti, JCB, one of the word’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment, today announced its Backhoe Across America charity drive, a national initiative in partnership with the American Red Cross. The cross-country campaign features a JCB 3CX backhoe loader, which will travel from Georgia to California to help raise the still-needed funds that will be critical to Haiti’s long-term rebuilding efforts.

Dates and Locations

With a fundraising goal of $1 million, JCB will donate all monies raised during the 26-day road trip directly to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Those who wish to make a donation to the Backhoe Across America charity drive can either visit one of the 11 route stops or go to www.JCBforHaiti.com.

No Ordinary Road Trip
The JCB 3CX backhoe loader will begin its coast-to-coast trek from the beach at Tybee Island, Ga., on Friday, March 26, 2010. The backhoe then will travel more than 3,000 miles across the U.S., making fundraising “pit stops” at JCB dealerships in nine cities along the way, before reaching its final destination – the beach at California’s Santa Monica Pier – on April 20, 2010.

“Haiti’s road to recovery will be long and difficult,” said John Patterson, chairman and CEO, JCB Inc. “On behalf of everyone at JCB, we hope that the miles traveled and donations secured during Backhoe Across America will help ease the burden of the journey that lies ahead for this devastated nation.”

No Ordinary Backhoe
On a recent episode of the National Geographic and Discovery Channel show, ‘Greatest Ever’, the JCB backhoe was ranked number-one on a list of the “Greatest Ever Earthmovers.” With the Backhoe Across America campaign, JCB will put the Worlds Greatest Earthmover to an even greater test to see just how far a bucketful of charity can go to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives.

JCB invented the backhoe loader in 1953; today, the company is the world’s leading manufacturer of this versatile and reliable job-site solution, producing almost one out of every two backhoes sold worldwide. In keeping with the company’s long tradition of assisting disaster-relief efforts around the world, JCB already has donated two backhoe loaders in response to Haiti’s immediate recovery needs. And, most recently, JCB pledged to provide $100,000 worth of backhoe equipment for Chile’s earthquake victims.

No Ordinary Driver
JCB veteran employee Neil Smith will be the man behind the wheel as the backhoe makes its way across America. When Neil was growing up in Rocester, England, he walked by a large factory on his way to school each and every day. That factory was JCB’s World Headquarters. Not surprisingly, Neil dreamed of operating JCB’s signature bright yellow machines – but he had no way of knowing that the family-owned manufacturer would play a major role in his life for many years to come.

Now in his 37th year with JCB, Neil will operate the 3CX machine from start to finish, traveling at speeds up to 30 mph on secondary roads, which, by law, must be used throughout the trek due to the backhoe’s maximum speed limitations.

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