JCB today officially marked its 65th anniversary by presenting thousands of employees around the world with gifts to mark the occasion. The milestone was celebrated as JCB also reported a strong recovery from the deepest-ever recession in the global construction equipment industry with a return to robust earnings.

Employees received a bottle of Château Léoube rosé wine, two glasses and a DVD highlighting the global footprint of a company which started life in a lock-up garage in Uttoxeter. The celebration took place today (June 21st) to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the birth of JCB's Founder, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford.

JCB Chairman Sir Anthony said: "In 65 years we've gone from one man in a garage in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, to a major global brand renowned for its pioneering spirit. All of this is down to our people. JCB is on the threshold of even greater success and it's our employees who will help drive our future."