JCB is bringing production of the 505-20TC Loadall compact telescopic handler to its North American headquarters and manufacturing facility near Savannah, Georgia. Installation of the new production line has begun, with full-rate production planned for September.
The Savannah facility will continue to manufacture JCB skid-steer and compact track loaders, and military construction machines, including the High Mobility Engineer Excavator and Light Capacity Rough Terrain Forklift.
"Bringing telehandler production to JCB North America reinforces the company's long-term commitment to Savannah and is great news for our 600-strong workforce," said Richard Fox-Marrs, president and chief executive officer for JCB North America. "JCB is the most popular telehandler brand in North America, and our new telehandler production line will allow us to be more responsive to local customers and win even more business in the future."
In addition to the 505-20TC Loadall telescopic handler, JCB offers 14 Loadall telehandler models for the construction and rental industries in North America, and six models specifically for agricultural applications. Lift capacities range from 5,500 to 14,000 pounds and lift heights from 20 to 66 feet.
To accommodate the telehandler production line, JCB has moved backhoe loader production to its backhoe manufacturing facility in the U.K. The company will continue to offer seven JCB backhoe loader models in North America, from the highly maneuverable and versatile 3CX COMPACT to the industry's largest and most powerful backhoe loader, the 4CX-15 SUPER.
"JCB is the world's leading backhoe manufacturer and global demand will be well met by JCB's dedicated backhoe manufacturing facility," said Fox-Marrs. "Utilizing our world class North American manufacturing facility to produce telehandlers allows our people to more directly contribute to the success and growth of a product that is in high demand in this market."
JCB will also establish a dedicated parts warehouse and distribution facility in Miami, Florida, freeing up space in the Savannah factory to manufacture high-value construction machines. The Miami parts warehouse will accommodate a significantly larger parts inventory than currently stocked in Savannah, enabling faster supply of parts to JCB customers throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.
JCB anticipates no significant impact to employment at its North American headquarters as a direct result of the production line and warehouse changes.
