In June, more than 40 IRTE Northern Centre members and guests were treated to an informative and entertaining presentation entitled ‘More than just a digger’, given by Tom Hodgkinson, Sales Manager with JCB Teletruk.
Tom began with an overview of the founding of the firm by JC Bamford in 1945, when it used military surplus equipment to make tipping trailers. He then spoke about JCB’s growth as it moved into motorised agriculture and plant equipment, capitalising on the need for multi-use machines. Today, as market leader, they are committed to apprenticeship training schemes and champion young engineers in the industry. One such initiative was the record breaking world’s fastest tractor, Fastrac Two, built by a team of young engineers and featured on Guy Martin’s TV show.
JCB Teletruk are now focused on the switch to zero emissions, exploring lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen combustion in its quest for the fuels of the future. This transition means the company is in an intensive phase of research, development, and trials, taking on board feedback from engineers.
The presentation concluded with an informative question and answer session, after which IRTE Northern Centre Hon. Chair Sam Archer thanked Tom on behalf of everyone present.