Digger maker posts record £365m profits

The family-owned company saw its 2012 earnings rise to £365m on turnover which remained virtually unchanged from the previous year at £2.7bn.

Although the manufacturer experienced weak construction equipment sales in some areas of the world, it saw business in Africa double and registered growth of 12 per cent in the Middle East.

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: “In view of the continued fragility of the global economy, which has led to renewed slowdowns in emerging and developed markets, JCB’s results in 2012 are extremely encouraging.

“They not only demonstrate the resilience of our business, but highlight the importance of continued investment in products, facilities and customer service.”