Final machine made at JCB factory

The final machine rolled off the production line earlier Family tradition at closing factory

The final machine has rolled off the production line at a JCB factory in Staffordshire.

It marks the end of almost 140 years of manufacturing at the site by firms linked to the Bamford family, which founded JCB in 1945.

Farm machinery maker Bamfords Ltd began at Pinfold Street, Uttoxeter, in 1871.

JCB took it over in 1989 but production stopped on Wednesday. The firm is moving from the town centre to a new £40m plant half a mile away on the A50.

It hopes to sell the site to a developer who would convert it into a mixture of homes, offices and shops.

New era

The company, which makes excavators, loaders, and tractors, said the new plant was conveniently located by its World Parts Centre and would allow it to expand production when markets recovered.

A spokesman said the firm was trying to find a buyer for the 22-acre site after appointing architects McDowell + Benedetti last week.

The firm said it was also still in consultation with staff over 398 proposed job losses.

It has blamed the economic downturn and loss in business confidence for its decision to make cuts.

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The digger firm is moving manufacturing to a new multi-million pound factory