The New Year got off to a flying start for JCB today with news that one of the UK’s premier plant hirers is increasing the size of its hire fleet by placing a £14 million order for hundreds of new JCB machines.

Manchester-based Hewden, the UK specialist plant hire company, has signed a deal for a range of JCB products including Loadall telescopic handlers, JCB mini excavators, tracked and wheeled excavators and the new 3CX Eco backhoe loaders. It is one of the biggest single deals ever landed by JCB.

Tim Burnhope, JCB Group Managing Director for Product Development and Commercial Operations, said: “To sign a deal of this magnitude with a company of such standing as Hewden is a fantastic way to start 2011. It speaks volumes for the strength of the JCB brand and the quality of our machines that a major player has chosen JCB products when investing so heavily in a new fleet of machines. ”

Jeff Schofield, Sales and Marketing Director at Hewden, said: “This investment is a major development of our fleet. We have selected the best product in each category, based on the clear preferences of our customers. JCB’s products have an enviable reputation in the marketplace and we look forward to working with them to deliver new levels of safety, reliability and performance to customers.”

The telescopic handlers and backhoe loaders will be made at JCB’s World HQ, Rocester, the mini excavators at JCB Compact Products, Cheadle and the tracked and wheeled excavators at JCB Heavy Products, Uttoxeter. The machines will be supplied through JCB dealer Gunn JCB.

Hewden is the UK’s leading multi product specialist hire company and provides equipment rental and contract management services to key businesses in virtually every sector of British industry. From the small professional builder to the large construction contractor, Hewden hires a full range of construction plant, access equipment, cranes, power generators and site accommodation units. Hewden employs almost 1,400 employees at a network of 47 depots across the UK.