Who owns JCB bulldozers? Company was founded in a rented garage by…; has a Titanic connection, employs 10000 people, its owner is…

JCB Bulldozer: JCB earth movers or bulldozers as they are commonly known, have become quite famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) in India over the past decade, leading to the belief that the heavy machinery was manufactured by an Indian company. However, contrary to popular belief, JCB is not an Indian firm.

Let us delve into the interesting history of JCB and how it emerged as one of world’s top heavy machinery makers.

When was JCB established?

JCB or J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited, was founded by Joseph Cyril Bamford in October 1945 towards the end of the second world war in the United Kingdom. Bamford established a workshop inside a garage at his rented house and named the company JCB after his initials. Interestingly, Bamford founded JCB on the same day his son Anthony Bamford (now Lord Bamford), was born.

The company’s first product was a tipping trailer, which was made from scrap metal found in debris from bombing during World War 2. Bamford built the trailer in his garage and later sold it for 45 pounds and an old cart at the Taum Market. Later, he refurbished the cart and sold it for another 45 pounds, thus his first machine fetched him 90 pounds, a healthy sum at the time.

What is JCB’s connection with the Titanic?

Joseph Cyril Bamford, the founder of JCB, has a interesting connection with the Titanic– the ill-fated British ocean liner which sank on its maiden voyage after colliding with an iceberg. According to details, Bamford was forced to vacate his rented house as the owner objected to his working on Sundays.

The owner’s constant nagging prompted Bamford to move out and look for a new home, and he found one a few kilometers in a good neighborhood. Bamford’s new home owner was Julia Cavendish, one of the few survivors of the fatal Titanic crash of 1912.

Incidentally, JCB also hired its first full-employee, Arthur Harrison, at the Cavendish house after Bamford moved the company’s operations to his new residence. Harrison was hired as a foreman.

Who owns JCB?

Anthony Paul Bamford or Baron Bamford, the only son of JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford, is the current Chairman of J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB).

In 1961, the company established JCB Aviation and built its first aircraft, and a year later, opened its first overseas manufacturing plant opened in Holland.

Th company’s boom continued at a steady pace, and in 1964, its sales surged by 60 percent, following which JCB distributed a bonus of 2,50,000 pounds among its employees. At present, JCB has more than 10,ooo employees spread across its business operations in various countries.

JCB India was established as a joint venture in 1979, but the unit is now directly owned by J.C. Bamford Excavators.

News