JCB visit: A masterclass in quality and innovation for CQI Birmingham and Nottingham Derby

On Wednesday, 10th September 2025, members from the CQI Birmingham and CQI Nottingham Derby branches came together for an exclusive and highly anticipated event: a behind-the-scenes visit to the JCB World Headquarters in Uttoxeter.

The day promised a unique insight into the story of a British manufacturing icon, and it delivered an unforgettable experience for everyone who attended.

The day began with a warm welcome from our fantastic guide, Kevin, who greeted us with refreshments before leading us into the impressive JCB Theatre.

A compelling corporate brand video set the stage, offering a sweeping overview of JCB’s global operations and vast product range. It was the perfect introduction to the scale and ambition of the company we were about to explore.

Our next stop was the ‘Story of JCB’ exhibition, a curated and immersive journey through the company’s rich history. We followed the story from its milestones to its profound contributions to British manufacturing. The exhibition was packed with fascinating insights, little-known facts, and interactive displays that brought the brand's heritage to life. After soaking in the history, there was also a welcome opportunity to explore the JCB shop.

The highlight of the day for many was the personal tour of the legendary Backhoe Loader assembly line.

Seeing the meticulous attention to detail and the seamless integration of quality principles at every stage was a powerful and practical lesson for all the quality professionals in attendance.

This immersive experience did more than just showcase machinery; it deepened our collective appreciation for JCB’s unwavering commitment to excellence and reinforced the fundamental value of quality in every stage of production.

It was a truly inspiring day and a fantastic opportunity for members from both branches to network and learn together.

A huge thank you to JCB for their incredible hospitality and for providing such a captivating look into their world of engineering excellence. Everyone agreed it was a great day out, and we look forward to more collaborative events in the future.