Celebrating 80 years of JCB
October 23rd 2025 marked a double celebration - JCB’s 80th anniversary and Lord Bamford’s 80th birthday.
The story of JCB is one of innovation, ambition and sheer hard work. At Holt JCB we are proud to deliver upon those principles, alongside maintaining a firm focus on providing outstanding customer service. The long-term relationships we've built with many of our customers is a testament to that.
A UK manufacturing icon
JCB was founded in a 12ft x 15ft lock-up garage in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire by Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE. The brand has grown to become a global force in manufacturing:
• 22 plants
• with a 19,000-strong workforce,
• across four continents,
• and more than 770 dealers around the world.
Andrew Shields, Managing Director at Holt JCB
As the appointed JCB Dealer for South West England and South Wales, Holt JCB is firmly established as part of the JCB global family. From our own beginnings in 1979 we have grown to operate seven depots conveniently located across the region. As a family business we recognise just how important the people of our business are and the relationships we build with our customers.
We look forward to many more celebrations - of our own and of the JCB brand - over the coming years.
More about the 80th anniversary celebrations
Lord Bamford unveiled a blue heritage plaque on the spot where the original garage stood in the High Street, Uttoxeter.
At the JCB World HQ in Rochester, more than 3,500 employees lined the Lakeside Works’ pathways to enjoy a procession of JCB machines - each being introduced since Lord Bamford became Chairman in 1975.
The crowds also had the first look at a special ‘Backhoe in a Box’ - a life-size 3CX Sitemaster Backhoe packaged as if it was a 1:32 model. The model will be on display until January 2026 for members of the public to view.
To conclude the day a formal party brought together invited guests, including a number of retired JCB employees, marking a special, personal 80th birthday celebration.
80 Special Machines
As part of JCB's wider celebrations, 80 striking limited-edition Backhoe Loader and Loadall machines are being manufactured. These top-of-the-range JCB machines will come in satin black with chrome decals and JCB yellow highlights. They also feature attributes such as 80th edition embroidered seats, carpets, decals and plaques.
