JCB's old heavy product factory closes - PHOTOS

The last excavator has been produced by JCB’s heavy products factory in Uttoxeter. The final machine, a JS260, brought to an end the site’s 140 year association with the Bamford family.

As far back as 1871, Bamfords Ltd started building agricultural equipment on the site with JCB acquiring the site in 1989.

Now with the JCB opening a new £40m heavy products factory adjacent to its World Parts Centre alongside the A50 outside the Uttoxeter, the old 22 acre site at the edge of the town is to be redeveloped.

JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: “This is the end of an era because my family has been linked to this site since the nineteenth century when Bamfords Ltd started manufacturing agricultural machinery.

“But this is also the start of a new and exciting era not only for JCB’s excavator business, but also for Uttoxeter because the relocation offers the opportunity to redevelop and enhance an important area of the town.”

Sir Anthony’s great-grandfather Joseph Bamford was one of five brothers who were the original partners of Bamfords Ltd. 

Sir Anthony’s own father, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford, was famously sacked from Bamfords Ltd by his uncle Henry, who sent him a note saying his services were no longer required. 

Joseph Cyril Bamford later went on to found JCB.