CUSTOMER SERVICE | Apprentices build new JCB machine to mark milestone

A NEW JCB digger built entirely by apprentices has been created in time for the 40th anniversary of one of the company's machines.

The Loadall Agri Pro, made by the 68-strong team of apprentices, has been launched to mark the milestone birthday of the JCB Loadall telescopic handler.

The eight-and-a-half tonne digger, which has taken more than 700 hours to design, manufacture and build, will go on display around the UK before being auctioned off in aid of charity.

JCB chairman Lord Bamford, who himself completed an engineering apprenticeship before joining JCB in 1964, said: "As an engineer and former apprentice with manufacturing running through my blood, I'm delighted and very proud of what JCB's apprentices have achieved with this project.