JCB invests for the future after Hydromax world record

JCB invests for the future after Hydromax world record

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JCB invests for the future after Hydromax world record

Fresh from setting a new world land speed record of 406.320mph powered by its pioneering hydrogen technology, JCB is accelerating investment in its future, with major commitments to British manufacturing and new production capacity in the United States.

JCB invests for the future after Hydromax world record

JCB invests for the future after Hydromax world record

The manufacturer is investing heavily in the transformation of its Staffordshire World HQ, while in the USA, JCB’s new factory in San Antonio, Texas – its largest in the world – opens next month, creating 1,500 jobs over the next five years.

As JCB invests for its next chapter, George Bamford is to become Joint Chairman of the family company alongside his father, Lord Bamford. It is the first change at the top of JCB in more than 50 years, during which the business has grown from its Staffordshire roots into one of Britain’s largest privately owned manufacturers, with 23 factories and more than 20,000 employees worldwide.

The announcement coincides with JCB reporting a resilient performance in 2025, despite mixed market conditions and geopolitical headwinds around the world. Sales turnover totalled £5.7 billion, profit before tax was £642 million and machine sales reached 113,498 units, while the business remained debt-free with no net borrowings. JCB also increased its global market share, despite flat demand in North America and a 12% market contraction in India.

At the heart of JCB’s investment in Britain is the £100 million transformation of its Staffordshire headquarters – JCB’s home since 1950, when Joseph Cyril Bamford moved production into a former cheese factory in Rocester. A £60 million fully automated powder paint plant and a comprehensively modernised shop floor are part of the transformation, helping to secure the future of more than 8,000 UK jobs.

In the USA, JCB’s new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas – at one million square feet, JCB’s largest factory in the world – opens next month. It will build Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for North America, the world’s biggest construction equipment market.

Investment in factories is being matched by investment in innovation. Hydrogen-powered machines are now in production following JCB’s £100 million programme to develop hydrogen combustion technology, making it the first construction equipment company in the world to bring a fully approved hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine to market.

Last month, those engines powered JCB into the record books at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The JCB Hydromax, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, recorded 406.320mph (653.909km/h) on the Salt Flats to become the fastest ever hydrogen-powered vehicle – more than doubling the previous hydrogen combustion record and beating JCB’s own Dieselmax diesel record, set 20 years earlier. JCB Hydromax was powered by two production-based hydrogen engines manufactured at JCB’s factory in Foston, Derbyshire, and went from idea to world record in just 18 months.

Meanwhile, the JCB Academy, a pioneering project championed by Anthony Bamford to address the UK’s engineering skills shortage, goes from strength to strength. This year 708 students applied for 314 places available this September, maintaining the Academy’s long-standing reputation for being heavily oversubscribed. Since opening in 2010, it has educated around 3,750 young people and boasts a 100% record of leavers progressing into employment or further education. This month a total of 116 new apprentices, undergraduates and graduates, selected from more than 6,300 applicants, also joined JCB.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “Last year JCB celebrated its 80th birthday and, as we look ahead, we are investing heavily in the future of the business – from the transformation of our Staffordshire headquarters and pioneering hydrogen technology, to our new factory in Texas. As part of that next chapter, I’m delighted that my son George will become Joint Chairman of JCB. We have never been a company that stands still, and these investments will ensure JCB is well placed to seize the opportunities ahead.”

George Bamford said: “From the day my grandfather founded JCB in 1945, innovation and investment in Great Britain has been at the heart of everything we do. JCB Hydromax showed the world what British engineering can achieve. That same spirit is in every machine we build. While JCB has expanded globally over the years, our home has always been here, and the record investment we are making in our facilities and in new products is good news for Britain and good news for JCB.”

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “While 2025 was a more challenging year with mixed market conditions around the world, JCB delivered a robust performance overall. Machine sales were down by around 5%, but turnover remained broadly stable due to a more favourable market and product mix. Despite nil market growth in North America and a 12% market contraction in India – both important markets for JCB – we increased our global market share during 2025, which is an encouraging result. The overall outlook for 2026 is for moderate growth, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and with new capacity coming on stream in Texas and Staffordshire we are well placed to take advantage of it.”

JCB 2025 annual results at a glance:

2025

(in £s Sterling)

 2025

(in US$)

  

 

 2024

(£)
Turnover £5.7 billion $7.64 billion  

 

 £5.8 billion
Profit before tax £642.0 million $860.2 million  

 

 £687.3 million

 
Machine sales (units) 113,498 $1.34/£1 119,848

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Carl Sharp takes the lead on Golf at KAR UK

Carl Sharp takes the lead on Golf at KAR UK

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Carl Sharp takes the lead on Golf at KAR UK

KAR UK has announced that Carl Sharp will now be leading its Golf division, becoming the main point of contact for golf customers across the UK and Ireland.

Carl Sharp takes the lead on Golf at KAR UK

Carl Sharp takes the lead on Golf at KAR UK

Carl brings extensive hands-on experience from within the golf industry, having worked in greenkeeping and golf course management roles both in the UK and overseas. His practical understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by Course Managers and greenkeeping teams, combined with his technical knowledge of irrigation systems, places him in an ideal position to support golf clubs and contractors throughout the region.

Since joining KAR UK, Carl has worked closely with customers on a wide range of Hunter Golf irrigation projects, providing technical expertise, product advice and on-site support. In his new role, he will continue to help clubs with everything from new irrigation installations and system upgrades to fault finding, training and ongoing technical support.

The appointment reflects KAR UK’s continued commitment to providing practical, knowledgeable support to the golf industry. Customers can expect the same personal service, with Carl continuing to spend time out on golf courses, working directly alongside Course Managers, Head Greenkeepers and contractors to deliver tailored irrigation solutions.

Commenting on his new role, Carl said: “I’m delighted to be leading Golf at KAR UK and look forward to continuing to build relationships with golf clubs and contractors across the UK and Ireland. Having worked in greenkeeping myself, I understand the importance of reliable irrigation and responsive support. I’m excited to help customers get the very best from their systems and support them with both existing installations and future projects.”

With a number of exciting projects and developments planned over the coming months, KAR UK remains focused on helping golf facilities maximise the performance and efficiency of their irrigation systems.

For advice on Hunter Golf irrigation systems, new projects, upgrades, technical support or training, customers are encouraged to contact Carl Sharp and the KAR UK team.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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CGCS recommends 4% wage increase for 2027

CGCS recommends 4% wage increase for 2027

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CGCS recommends 4% wage increase for 2027

The Committee for Golf Club Salaries (CGCS) has recommended that wages for key golf club staff rise by 4% from 1 January 2027.

CGCS recommends 4% wage increase for 2027

CGCS recommends 4% wage increase for 2027

The committee said golf remains in a positive position overall, but clubs continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining the skilled people needed to meet demand. Employers are also managing increased business costs, while staff face continued pressure on household finances.

In reaching its recommendation, the CGCS considered inflationary trends and the expected increase in the National Living Wage. It highlighted the narrowing pay gap between staff on the National Living Wage and highly trained, experienced employees.

The committee has also suggested that employers consider adding a further 2% to the overall employment package for key staff from 1 January 2027. It pointed to benefits such as private healthcare, funding for training and professional development, and a commitment to sound governance as ways clubs can support and retain employees. The additional 2% relates to the wider employment package, rather than a further recommended wage increase.

The CGCS recognised that individual clubs must make pay decisions according to their own financial and operational circumstances, but encouraged employers to consider its recommendations when reviewing salaries.

The committee includes representatives from BIGGA and the Golf Club Management Association (GCMA), alongside other golf industry representatives and independent members. Employers seeking advice on pay or staff development can contact BIGGA or the GCMA.

The full CGCS statement and salary calculator are available at golfclubsalaries.org.uk.

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SALTEX 2026 Unveils Most Comprehensive Learning LIVE Programme Yet

SALTEX 2026 Unveils Most Comprehensive Learning LIVE Programme Yet

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SALTEX 2026 Unveils Most Comprehensive Learning LIVE Programme Yet

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November, Learning LIVE will bring together expert voices from elite sport, science, sustainability, water management, technology, landscaping, amenity management, artificial surfaces, and grassroots sport across three dedicated stages.

SALTEX 2026 Unveils Most Comprehensive Learning LIVE Programme Yet

SALTEX 2026 Unveils Most Comprehensive Learning LIVE Programme Yet

The programme has been developed to provide practical solutions to real-world challenges affecting facilities of every size, from Premier League stadiums and major event venues to schools, local authorities, racecourses, golf courses, public green spaces, landscape contractors and volunteer-run community clubs. Topics span climate resilience, water management, workforce development, surface performance, integrated pest management, landscaping standards, hybrid and synthetic surfaces, machinery funding and maintaining high-quality playing environments with limited resources.

Visitors will gain insight from some of the most respected names in grounds management and sports turf. Main Stage highlights include a review of the UEFA club season and preparations for EURO 2028, a behind-the-scenes look at delivering exceptional surfaces for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and a panel featuring award-winning professionals from Lord’s Cricket Club, the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, Leicester City FC and the University of Leeds discussing how strong team cultures drive success.

With extreme weather and water availability continuing to rise up the agenda, sustainability, water management and climate resilience feature heavily throughout the programme. Sessions will explore alternative irrigation systems, water resilience planning, drainage solutions and practical approaches to securing sustainable water supplies, with contributions from specialists representing the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Eton College, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, and the UK Golf Federation.

Technology and innovation will also take centre stage. Delegates will hear from experts at Agrii, STRI, Raw Stadia, Propitch and the European Turfgrass Society on how data, research and emerging technologies can support better decision-making, improve resource efficiency, and enhance playing surface performance. Sessions will cover everything from integrated turf management and pitch data analysis to the latest scientific research shaping the future of grounds management.

Artificial and hybrid surface management forms another major strand of the programme. SAPCA-led sessions will explore end-of-life synthetic turf recycling, player-surface interaction research and the latest developments in performance standards, while specialist panels will provide practical guidance on planning, installing, and maintaining hybrid pitches to maximise long-term returns.

Learning LIVE also features dedicated content for amenity and landscaping professionals. The Amenity Forum will lead discussions on integrated pest, weed and disease management, amenity protection and sustainable maintenance practices, while the Association of Professional Landscapers will deliver sessions focused on business protection, professionalism and raising standards across the landscaping sector.

Racecourse management is another key area of focus. Experts from York Racecourse, the British Horseracing Authority and Tim O’Hare Associates will examine how racing venues can adapt to changing environmental conditions, manage natural resources more effectively and build resilience against the long-term impacts of climate change.

For grassroots clubs and volunteers, the Community Sport Stage offers targeted advice on securing funding, applying for machinery grants, improving drainage, protecting equipment from theft, reducing weather-related match cancellations, and developing sustainable long-term operating models. These practical sessions are designed to help clubs maximise limited resources while improving playing experiences for their communities.

Workforce development is also a significant focus, with sessions covering apprenticeships, education pathways, career progression and CPD opportunities. Attendees will hear from GMA Award winners, education providers, industry leaders and GMA NextGen members on how to attract, develop and retain talent while creating positive workplace cultures that support long-term career success.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, said: “Learning LIVE is about giving grounds people practical solutions to the challenges they face every day. Whether it’s extreme weather, water availability, staffing pressures, sustainability requirements, securing funding or improving surface performance, visitors will leave SALTEX with knowledge, ideas, and actionable insights they can immediately take back to their facilities.

“As we celebrate the 80th edition of SALTEX, we’re proud to offer our strongest education programme yet, bringing together some of the most respected experts from across the industry whilst providing visitors with valuable CPD opportunities that support their ongoing professional development.”

Learning LIVE is included free with visitor registration and provides access to more than 30 hours of CPD-accredited education, alongside technical workshops, networking meet-ups and practical sessions covering sports turf, landscaping, amenity management, artificial surfaces, sustainability, technology, workforce development and community sport.

SALTEX takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November 2026. Register free today and start building your personalised Learning LIVE agenda.

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DLF’s PM81 delivers deep-rooted performance at the University of Exeter

DLF’s PM81 delivers deep-rooted performance at the University of Exeter

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DLF’s PM81 delivers deep-rooted performance at the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter has revealed how it relies on DLF’s PM81 4Turf to deliver the resilience and recovery required to meet a demanding programme of student and community sport. With a total of 15 grass sports pitches for football and rugby, along with a dedicated cricket square and outfield, Grounds Manager Tim Wakeham explains how the deeper rooting of this tetraploid perennial ryegrass mixture has been particularly important this year tackling the combination of high usage and hot, dry weather.

DLF’s PM81 delivers deep-rooted performance at the University of Exeter

DLF’s PM81 delivers deep-rooted performance at the University of Exeter

Tim joined the University in March 2024, taking charge of a team of four and leading the maintenance of both the natural and artificial turf surfaces. “The pitches host an incredibly busy schedule which means that we don’t get as much time on them as we like during term-time – emphasising the importance of a good renovation and overseed come the end of the season” he says.

Quickly identifying issues with shallow rooting and poor soil quality, the decision was made to switch to PM81 4Turf from DLF – a product and range Tim was familiar with and knew would perform under pressure. “Having distributed the ProMaster range in a previous role, I was confident that choosing a deeper rooting tetraploid mix would bring multiple benefits to the quality of our winter sports surfaces and, so far, it’s delivered on all fronts.”

PM81 4Turf combines tetraploid and diploid perennial ryegrass cultivars to provide a durable, hard-wearing sward suited to renovations and intensive sports use. The mixture incorporates 4Turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass alongside high-performing dwarf perennial ryegrass cultivars, bringing together strong establishment, wear tolerance, recovery and an attractive playing surface.

“It’s given us the play characteristics we require but, more than that, the pitches have good colour and appearance – strong presentation is important.” Tim also notes the recovery of the PM81 4Turf following this summer’s drought. “As soon as we could get some water on the pitches, they sprang back really quickly and that quality is only going to become more important with these more frequent and prolonged periods of challenging weather.”

Alongside the seed, Tim also values the ongoing support from DLF’s Ian Barnett. “I’ve known Ian for years and really value his input, knowledge and the confidence it provides when deciding on the best course of action for each surface.” With ProMaster also being selected for renovations on the University’s cricket outfield this year, it’s a partnership that’s set to stay.

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