The initials JCB and the familiar yellow and black colours of their full-sized men’s toys combine to form what has become one of the most recognisable brand images in the world.
A party of 32 Stumperlowe Probus Club members made their way on a car-sharing visit to the JCB Visitor Experience, adjacent to the world headquarters of this British manufacturing success story which is rather incongruously situated in the back of beyond (or very close to it) on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire. It is in the village of Rocester (population 1,700), which many people even have difficulty pronouncing (think Roaster, to rhyme with toaster).
Our party assembled in the impressive entrance hall which dwarfed some of the impressive machinery within, including the four wheeled drive 4CX backhoe excavator, and where tea and biscuits were on offer. We were then split into smaller groups, each led by JCB employees who had spent many years with the company, in one case no fewer than 59 years. His knowledge, needless to say, was extensive.
After our welcome drink, we were led around the plant producing the iconic backhoe machines as well as the telescopic loaders which have made such a difference to farming and construction sites around the world.
The finale was something of a museum telling the story of JCB and exhibiting products, as well as a shop selling models and clothing. It was an impressive tour of a very impressive company who put their continued success down to the private family-owned concept and the engineering genius of the founder.
Surprisingly, however, there was no book covering the story of the company in the merchandising area. Some 17,000 visitors are shown the facility every year, many of whom are customers – and thus do not have to pay the £35 fee.
Facts: Peter Jackson
Words: Graham Snowdon
Pictures: Chris Stoddard
