British construction equipment giant JCB is accelerating both hiring and construction at its new 1 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in San Antonio’s South Side, which is set to open by the end of 2026. The company plans to hire 500 workers over the next year, with an additional 1,000 hires by 2030, creating a total of 1,500 jobs as part of its long-term U.S. expansion strategy.
“This is not just about building a factory, it’s about building a workforce,” said David Carver, operations director for JCB Texas. “We have a full map of when we’ll hire and how we’ll train every employee. Our goal is to have a strong, skilled team ready when the first machines roll off the line.”
Once operational, the plant will initially produce telescopic forklifts and aerial lifts, key products in JCB’s growing North American lineup. According to Richard Fox-Marrs, president of JCB North America, demand for these products has surged across the U.S., with North America now representing the company’s fastest-growing market.
Texas’ position as the largest construction equipment market in the U.S. was a driving factor in JCB’s decision to locate its largest global factory in San Antonio. The facility will serve as a strategic hub for North American customers, supported by a robust training and recruitment initiative targeting local talent.
JCB is partnering with local schools, technical programs, and workforce organizations including Haven for Hope, Goodwill, and Greater:SATX to recruit and train employees. The company is also prioritizing veterans and military spouses, aiming for more than 200 hires from that group alone.
With wages starting at $20.54 per hour, the new facility will feature modern amenities such as skylights, a cafeteria, and an employee gym — designed to make JCB “an employer of choice,” Carver said.
The San Antonio plant marks one of JCB’s largest investments in the U.S. to date, underscoring the company’s confidence in the strength and skill of the Texas manufacturing workforce.
