JCB has secured a £65 million order for 2,100 machines – the biggest order from a UK customer in the British manufacturer’s 75-year history.

Warrington-based Sunbelt Rentals UK, formerly known as A-Plant, is Britain’s biggest equipment rental company. The firm has placed the huge order to expand and renew its fleet as the construction industry rebounds strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company is investing in JCB Loadall telescopic handlers, mini and midi excavators, site dumpers, tracked excavators and rough terrain forklifts. It has also ordered 350 access platforms – JCB’s biggest-ever UK deal for this equipment following its 2017 entry into the powered access market.

The machines are being supplied by via dealer Greenshields JCB. The massive order comes as JCB recruits hundreds of new shop floor employees as a result of soaring demand.

JCB chief executive Graeme Macdonald said: “Sunbelt Rentals is one of JCB’s largest global customers and this huge investment in new and innovative equipment demonstrates its desire to offer the most advanced machines, featuring the latest ultra-efficient, low emissions engines. It’s the biggest ever order from a JCB customer in the UK and we are delighted to secure this business. It’s also fantastic to win a large deal for our access platforms from such a well-respected fleet customer.”

Sunbelt chief executive Andy Wright said: “Sunbelt is committed to owning the youngest and most innovative equipment in the industry and the JCB range offers fantastic quality and solutions for our customers throughout the UK. We have performed strongly throughout the pandemic and this significant order supports our determination to maintain and expand our market leadership position within the UK.”

Sunbelt Rentals, formerly known as A-Plant,  is the UK’s biggest equipment rental company and covers the whole of Great Britain through 200 hire depots with a fleet of over 250,000 itemised machines.