JCB Transmissions began manufacturing in Wrexham 33 years ago – and today plays a pivotal role in company’s successful production of the some of the construction industry’s most fuel efficient machines.

The company – based on the Wrexham Industrial Estate – researches, develops and manufactures hi-tech transmissions and axles for many of the 300 different products JCB produces for construction and agricultural markets. The company employs 375 people at its two factories and is currently in the process of recruiting an additional 22 shopfloor employees as growth returns to the construction equipment sector.

JCB Chief Executive Alan Blake said: “JCB’s recent success has been built on the drive to improve fuel efficiency. Central to that whole success is the overall efficiency of the machine and JCB Transmissions sits right at the heart of that with the development of its innovative range of transmissions.

“Not only does JCB produce a world-leading engine in terms of productivity, our transmissions manufactured here at Wrexham are the most efficient around. We are making huge investments in research and development at JCB Transmissions to ensure we continue to come up with innovative solutions in the drive for greater fuel efficiency.”

JCB is now in full production with one of its latest products featuring a transmission developed and manufactured at JCB Transmissions. The machine - a backhoe loader - is the most efficient JCB backhoe ever and offers customers average fuel savings ranging from six to 16% at typical daily work rates. This saves customers up to £4,437 in fuel costs over three years.

JCB Transmissions is part of the JCB Group, the world’s third largest manufacturer of construction equipment with 18 factories around the world, 11 in the UK and others in the India, USA, Brazil, Germany and China.