JCB wins deal to make diggers for Army

JCB has fought off international competition to secure an order to supply more than 230 machines to the Army.

The company said the order, its largest to Army, was for 138 diggers and 98 loading shovel machines by the end of January.

Ministry of Defence service provider ALC, a joint venture between Amey and Babcock International, awarded the contract to JCB after extensive trials.

The backhoe loader diggers are made at JCB's world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, while the other vehicles are built at JCB Earthmovers in nearby Cheadle.

JCB chief executive officer Alan Blake said: "JCB has now become the primary supplier of plant and mechanical handling equipment to the British Army.

"As a British company it is fantastic that we have been awarded the opportunity to support our armed forces in this way and help ensure they are successful on operations, training and in their many other tasks around the world."