Digger-giant JCB has secured a £65 million order for 2,100 machines - the biggest ever order from a UK customer in the company's 75-year history.
Sunbelt Rentals UK, Britain's biggest equipment rental company, has placed the order to expand and renew its fleet as the construction industry rebounds strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The firm is investing in JCB Loadall telescopic handlers, mini and midi excavators, site dumpers, tracked excavators and rough terrain fork lifts – all manufactured at JCB's Staffordshire factories.
It has also ordered 350 JCB access platforms.
The massive order comes as JCB recruits hundreds of new shop floor employees as a result of soaring demand.
JCB CEO 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 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."
Warrington-based Sunbelt Rentals 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.
It rebranded its business in 2020 from A-Plant to mirror the name of its sister company in North America.
Sunbelt CEO 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."
