Staffordshire firm JCB predicts increase in machines
JCB has said it thinks it will have produced about 40% more machines this year after revealing a major contract with the British Army.
The Staffordshire-based company produced 36,000 machines in 2009, but believes it may get close to 50,000 by the end of the year.
JCB announced on Friday it had an order for 236 machines for the British Army.
It will deliver 138 backhoe loaders and 98 wheel loading shovels, with Nato paint work and storage for weapons.
The loaders are made at JCB's Rocester headquarters and the wheeled loading shovels are made at JCB Earthmovers in Cheadle.