12.05.2014

JCB profits down

JCB posted its third most profitable year in its 68 year history with revenues for 2013 of £2.68 billion. However this figure was just shy of the record £2.7 billion achieved in 2012 and profits were down 14 percent from £365 million to £313 million. JCB’s machine sales were also down about 3,000 at 66,227.

JCB chairman Lord Bamford said: “The global market for construction equipment was more challenging throughout 2013 but I am delighted that, despite difficult market conditions, JCB delivered a strong performance and achieved the third highest profit in its history. Turnover remained virtually unchanged year-on-year but volume and earnings were adversely affected by a slowdown in emerging markets, notably India, where JCB has a strong presence. This was further compounded by adverse currency movements in some economies.”

“Turnover growth in the UK, Middle East and Africa during 2013 helped to offset reductions in India, Europe and the Far East. 2014 has got off to a mixed start. Some markets are showing improvement, with stronger demand in the more developed markets of the UK and North America, which is offsetting weaker demand in the more fragile economies of Asia, Latin America and Russia. Political uncertainty created by elections in India and Brazil is also having an impact on markets.”
JCB says it is continuing with long-term plans to increase global capacity with its latest Indian plant in Jaipur starting production in May. In the UK, it is starting its £150 million plan to expand operations in Staffordshire and a new factory in Cheadle, Staffordshire.