JCB names George Bamford joint chairman amid global expansion

JCB has announced that George Bamford will become joint chairman alongside his father, Lord Bamford, marking the first change in the company’s top leadership in over 50 years. The appointment is effective October 1.

The leadership transition coincides with a period of significant global investment and a reported dip in 2025 financial performance. The manufacturer reported a sales turnover of £5.7 billion and a pre-tax profit of £642 million, down from £687.3 million the previous year. Despite a 5.2% decline in machine sales and market contractions in India, the company noted it increased its global market share and remains debt-free.

JCB is currently executing major expansion and modernization plans. In the United Kingdom, the company is investing £100 million to transform its Staffordshire headquarters, including a £60 million automated powder paint plant. In the United States, a new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas, is scheduled to open next month. This facility, the company’s largest globally, is expected to create 1,500 jobs over five years and produce Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for the North American market.

Additionally, JCB is advancing its hydrogen combustion technology. Following a £100 million development program, the company has brought hydrogen-fueled engines to market, recently setting a land speed record of 406.320 mph with the JCB Hydromax at the Bonneville Salt Flats.