Visit builds relationships and creates a solid foundation for future growth in Georgia.

Leading heavy equipment manufacturer JCB welcomed Georgia Governor Nathan Deal to its World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, England on Tuesday the 17th of May. The governor was accompanied by Chris Cummiskey, commissioner, and Gretchen Corbin, deputy commissioner, both of Georgia’s Department of Economic Development. The visit to JCB is one stop on the Governor’s nearly two-week-long economic development trip to Europe.

Gretchen Corbin, Mike Harling, John Patterson, Governor Nathan Deal, Graeme Macdonald and Chris Cummiskey stop for a photo at the start of the JCB Backhoe production line

By visiting with JCB and other European companies with Georgia ties, Governor Deal and his staff plan to build strong relationships, promote the State as a solid location for new businesses or expansions and learn tactics that will have a positive impact on Georgia’s continued economic growth.

“Since selecting Savannah as the site of its North American headquarters, JCB has continued to invest in Georgia by expanding its product lines, hiring additional employees and creating valuable partnerships,” said John Patterson, chairman of JCB North America. “Today’s meeting with Governor Deal gave us the opportunity to share our vision and discuss strategies to promote even more economic growth.”

Chris Cummisky and Governor Nathan Deal listen as Graeme Macdonald explains the JCB manufacturing process

Following their arrival at JCB World Headquarters, Governor Deal and his staff took a tour of the facility, seeing firsthand where the world’s best-selling backhoes and Loadall telescopic handlers are produced. Upon the tour’s conclusion, the governor enjoyed a working lunch with John Patterson and Sir Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB worldwide. The three discussed JCB’s continued potential for growth in Georgia, including JCB’s plans to add 200 more jobs in Savannah in the near future.

“JCB has contributed and continues to contribute a great deal to the city of Savannah and the entire state of Georgia,” Governor Deal said. “To have a global organization like JCB locate its North American Headquarters in Georgia says so much about our state’s many strengths—its prime location, its dedicated workforce and its growing economy, just to name a few. I enjoyed meeting with JCB’s executives, learning more about the company’s future plans and developing sound relationships that will serve us well in the months and years ahead.”

Governor Nathan Deal listens as John Patterson outlines JCB's group operations

JCB is certainly well-positioned to have a positive effect on Savannah’s economy, and its overall growth strategy has the potential to make an impact outside of Georgia as well. The company is expanding its dealer network and opening additional distribution centers throughout North America. “Because of our global perspective, we can play an active role by offering our unique insight into current and future economic development issues—not just locally, but also regionally and nationally,” Patterson added. “We hope to use this knowledge to assist Governor Deal and his staff as they continue to pursue their economic development goals.”