JCB, India’s largest manufacturer of construction equipment on Monday announced the signing of a land purchase agreement for a manufacturing facility in MWCJL, Jaipur. The total investment for this new manufacturing facility, which will be JCB’s fourth factory in India, will be to the tune of Rs. 500 crores. JCB India already operates three factories in the country; one in Ballabgarh, Haryana near New Delhi and two in Pune.

JCB first entered India in 1979 by setting up a backhoe loader manufacturing operation in Ballabgarh, which following a substantial investment by JCB in recent years, is now home to the largest backhoe loader factory in the world. JCB India also set up two new factories in Pune to manufacture components as well as and tracked excavators, wheeled loading shovels and compaction equipment. JCB is using this extensive manufacturing footprint in India to export to Eastern Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia.

JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, who also celebrated his 67th birthday on Monday, spoke about the company’s decision to purchase the site in Jaipur by terming India as the single most important market as the long-term prospects for infrastructure growth are substantial. “Our strategy is to carry on investing in India to keep pace with future economic growth and strengthen our position as market leader for construction equipment. Jaipur is a perfect location for the next phase of our expansion, especially with the opportunity to export more products,” said Bamford.

Rajasthan is the largest state in India and its strategic location, particularly in terms of transport and energy infrastructure, together with the pro-business approach of the state authorities means that it is fast becoming a destination of choice for companies looking to invest in India.

Speaking about the land purchase agreement, Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director JCB India said, “this is a new chapter in the JCB India growth story. After a decade of continued investment by the JCB Group in Ballabhgarh and Pune, I am thrilled that that Jaipur will become home to the company’s next world-class manufacturing facility. Our strategy for sustainable long-term growth is all about ensuring our dealers and customers get the best product range and customer service in the industry. Jaipur will be central to delivering on that ambition.”