JCB Relocates Defense Division, Renews Army Backhoe Contract

JCB recently relocated its Global Government and Defense Division from its worldwide headquarters in the United Kingdom to its North American headquarters in Savannah, Ga. The move follows JCB’s successful manufacturing of the High Mobility Engineer Excavator for the U.S. Army.

In 2000, the U.S. Army released specifications for a durable backhoe loader that could travel at convoy speeds while protecting military personnel. JCB used existing technology from its backhoe loader and high-speed agricultural tractor to match the specs. Following five years of design, engineering and testing, JCB won the contract and began building the HMEE. Last year the Army extended the contract until 2018.

“Centralizing our military expertise in Savannah will allow us to evolve our HMEE technology while engineering innovative products for future use within the military sector,” said Arjun Mirdha, CEO of JCB North America.

JCB’s North American headquarters is located near Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. Proximity to these bases provides an opportunity to work with military personnel on product development and testing.

Heading the new division is Chris Giorgianni, vice president of product support and government & defense. Giorgianni is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and is a decorated Air Force veteran, which will enable him to use his military knowledge and perspective to guide the growing team.

“Combining our depth of experience with JCB’s engineering team and production facility in Savannah will allow us to engineer, build and adapt equipment for our government and defense customers,” said Giorgianni. “Bringing our Government and Defense Division to North America where the greatest number of military investments are made, along with the location near military bases and access to an experienced workforce, will allow us to obtain future contracts and drive success within the military sector, much as we have with our HMEE product.”