JCB, Johnson, Jahangirpuri: History of bulldozer company suddenly in the news

Bulldozers have recently become political symbols. From UP CM being called ‘bulldozer baba’ for saying that he will run a bulldozer over the mafia to states using it to demolish homes of those accused of crimes, the heavy-duty vehicle is in the news. Synonymous with the word bulldozer is a brand called JCB. More often than not you will find people referring to bulldozers as JCB.

What is the brand’s history in India and how did it become the common word for bulldozers.

The company gets its name from its founder Joseph Cyril Bamford who died in 2001.

The British company entered the Indian market in 1979 through a joint venture.

Till now JCB had 5 factories in India, the sixth was inaugurated by British PM Borish Johnson on April 21 this year. The company products made in India are exported to more than 65 countries.

JCB introduced backhoe loader or bulldozer in India over three decades back when it entered the market. Apart from bulldozers, JCB makes skid steer loaders, telehandlers, diesel generators and diesel engines.

The factory in Ballabhgarh near Delhi is the world’s largest bulldozer manufacturing plant.

The company expanded its operations in 2006 and 2007 by setting up two factories at Pune for its Heavyline business. These factories manufacture Tracked Excavators, Wheeled Loaders, Compaction equipment and Fabrications for the Group. With 400 engineers, Pune also has JCB’s largest Design Center outside of the United Kingdom.

Watch: Jahangirpuri riots: bulldozer halted for 2 weeks, SC stays demolition

A further investment in India was made at Jaipur in 2014 with the inauguration of a 115-acre, eco-friendly, green manufacturing facility.

Over the years JCB has invested Rs. 2,000 crores in India and today employs 5,000 people in its Indian operations. It has a network of more than 60 dealers and 650 outlets spread throughout India.