JCB Plans 600 Hires, Eyes South Side Dealership

British construction equipment maker to ramp up San Antonio plant and workforce in 2027.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:23pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished, chrome-plated construction equipment part, such as a gear or hydraulic component, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conveying the precision and quality of JCB's manufacturing.A gleaming, precision-engineered component from JCB's construction equipment symbolizes the company's manufacturing prowess as it expands its footprint in San Antonio.Converse Today

JCB, the British construction equipment manufacturer, is gearing up for a major expansion in San Antonio, Texas. The company plans to hire around 600 workers in 2027 as it prepares to start production at its new plant on the city's South Side by late 2026. JCB is also considering opening a company-operated dealership near the factory.

Why it matters

This investment by JCB represents a significant economic boost for San Antonio, particularly the South Side neighborhood where the new plant is located. The 600 new jobs and potential dealership will create new employment opportunities and drive additional economic activity in the area.

The details

According to reports, JCB's local dealer, Boss JCB, will open a larger service center in Converse before the end of 2026 and add staff at that location. JCB's operations director, David Carver, told the San Antonio Report that the company expects to have close to 800 jobs by the time telehandler production begins. The San Antonio project is described as one of JCB's largest-ever U.S. investments, backed by local and state incentives tied to job creation and capital investment.

  • JCB's new San Antonio plant is expected to start production in late 2026.
  • Boss JCB, the company's local distributor, will open a larger service center in Converse before the end of 2026.
  • JCB plans to hire around 600 workers in 2027 as the plant ramps up production.

The players

JCB

A British construction equipment manufacturer that is expanding its operations in San Antonio, Texas.

Boss JCB

The local dealer for JCB in the San Antonio area, which is opening a larger service center in Converse.

Lord Anthony Bamford

The chairman of JCB, who laid out the hiring target and potential South Side dealership during a tour of the construction site.

David Carver

JCB's operations director, who told the San Antonio Report that the company expects to have close to 800 jobs by the time telehandler production begins.

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What they’re saying

“We'll be buying a lot more.”

— Lord Anthony Bamford, Chairman, JCB

What’s next

City and county officials will track JCB's hiring milestones as the factory moves toward full production, ensuring the company meets its job creation commitments tied to the public incentives.

The takeaway

JCB's major investment in San Antonio, including the planned 600 new hires in 2027 and the potential South Side dealership, represents a significant economic boost for the city, particularly the South Side neighborhood where the new plant is located. This project is part of JCB's broader strategy to manufacture more equipment closer to its U.S. customers and limit exposure to import costs.