It was a day of double celebrations, as JCB marked its 80th anniversary and Lord Bamford marked his 80th birthday.
JCB was founded in a 12ft x 15ft lock-up garage in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire by Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE on October 23rd, 1945 – the same day as his son Anthony was born.
The 80th birthday celebrations began by stepping back in time to where it all began, with Lord Bamford unveiling a blue heritage plaque on the spot where the original garage stood in the High Street, Uttoxeter.
Lord Bamford’s father rented the lock-up garage for 30 shillings a week, and it was there he made his first product - a farm trailer made from wartime scrap, which he sold for £45 at Uttoxeter market.
Unveiling the plaque at Hollydene House, Uttoxeter, Lord Bamford said: “My earliest memory of the business is of me playing in my father’s workshop. Other than my time at school and my apprenticeship in France with another company, I’ve been around ever since.
“We have developed the business and products along the way enormously. Probably one of the greatest pleasures for me has been in developing products with our formidable team of highly qualified engineers.
“As we celebrate JCB’s 80th birthday, it’s wonderful to be back at the spot where it all began and to mark the location with a special blue plaque. I’m delighted that in a small way we can highlight where it all began and reflect on the continuing importance of our home county of Staffordshire.”
At the ceremony, Uttoxeter Deputy Mayor Councillor Aaron Mansfield added: “It is a source of great pride that Uttoxeter was the birthplace of one of the country’s most successful manufacturing companies and we are delighted to officially mark the spot where the business began as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.”
Later, Lord Bamford arrived back at JCB's World HQ, where he was greeted by over 3,500 employees. A spectacular cavalcade of old and newer equipment followed, showcasing the machines he has introduced since becoming Chairman in 1975.
The crowds were also treated to the unveiling of a special JCB 3CX ‘Backhoe in a Box’ - a 3CX Sitemaster backhoe, which will be displayed beside the JCB lake until January.
The day concluded with a party for Lord Bamford, with more than 100 invited guests, including dozens of ex-employees who Lord Bamford has worked through the decades.
Meanwhile, all 19,000 JCB employees in its 22 plants across the globe are looking forward to an extra day’s holiday on Friday, October 24th in recognition of their contributions to the company’s success in its 80th anniversary year.
https://www.jcb.com/en-GB
