His Majesty The King visited the JCB headquarters in Uttoxeter as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
During a tour of the Innovation Centre, His Majesty was given an insight into the company’s hydrogen technology by chairman Anthony Bamford and shown one of the first diggers to be powered in this way.
It was also another opportunity for the company to celebrate its most recent milestone – the one-millionth backhoe to be produced.
Lord Bamford said: “It is a real honour for us all that that The King has visited JCB to help us celebrate 80 years in business. It was also a great pleasure to show The King the progress we are making with hydrogen powered machines. Today was an occasion that will live long in the memories of everyone who was present.”
On a tour of the production line, His Majesty met apprentices Matthew Walker-Stack, Freddie McCool and Eleanor Pitt; the latter of which is only the second female welding apprentice in the company’s history.
The King also spoke with Richard Williams, general manager of the Backhoe Loader Business Unit, who has worked for JCB for 38 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Brian, who completed 33 years as JCB production foreman.
Richard’s wife, Sarah, who has worked at the company for 35 years, and his children Josh and Kaitlyn, both working at JCB, were present.
There was a warm response to His Majesty in the reception, with more than 60 guests, including members of two families who have a combined service at JCB of almost 1,000 years. Long-serving and retired members of staff were in attendance, as well as former JCB Academy students.
These included Rhys Bradbury, who is now regional sales manager for Central Europe, Austria and Switzerland. He said: “It was fantastic to be involved in today’s visit and a great start to JCB’s 80th anniversary year.”
To mark the visit, His Majesty unveiled a plaque and his departure was lined by thousands of flag-waving employees.