JCB Texas manufacturing facility on South Side on track to open this fall

Construction is progressing on the one-million-square-foot plant, which will produce three of JCB's popular products.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:53am

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Construction is progressing on JCB Texas, a one-million-square-foot manufacturing plant on Palo Alto Road in San Antonio's South Side. JCB's global chairman, Lord Bamford, toured the new facility and said it remains on track to open this fall, in October. The plant is expected to have a workforce of 1,000 employees over the next five years and will help meet the demand for construction machinery in the U.S. market.

Why it matters

The opening of the JCB Texas facility is a significant economic development for San Antonio, with the project expected to have a $30 billion impact on the local economy over the next decade. The plant's strategic location near Mexico and as a base for exporting to Central and South America also highlights the city's growing role as a logistics hub.

The details

The one-million-square-foot JCB Texas plant is currently under construction on Palo Alto Road in San Antonio's South Side. Lord Bamford, JCB's global chairman, recently toured the facility and said he is pleased with the progress, noting that the plant was just a 'gem of an idea' about two years ago. The massive facility looks noticeably different from just five months ago, with the buildings and their sections now having more definition. According to Bamford, the plant is still on target to open this fall in October and will produce three of JCB's popular products.

  • In October 2025, concrete slabs had been poured, and the framework for several buildings was up.
  • Now, the buildings and their sections have more definition.
  • The plant is still on target to open this fall, in October 2026.

The players

Lord Bamford

JCB's global chairman who toured the new facility and said it remains on track to open this fall.

Greater SATX

Officials with the economic development organization said the impact of the JCB Texas plant on the local economy would be about $30 billion over the next decade.

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What they’re saying

“I feel very proud having come to see the plant. (JCB Texas) was a little, not even a baby, but a gem of an idea about two years ago.”

— Lord Bamford, JCB's global chairman

“It's near to Mexico, where we already buy components, and it's also, I think, a good base for us to export to Central America and South America too, as well. I've enjoyed very much so far, dealing with Texans and particularly the San Antonio people on coming here, who made us feel very welcome and are very genuine.”

— Lord Bamford, JCB's global chairman

What’s next

JCB company officials said they are currently interviewing applicants to fill positions needed when the plant opens later this fall.

The takeaway

The opening of the JCB Texas manufacturing facility on San Antonio's South Side is a significant economic development for the city, with the project expected to have a major impact on the local economy and solidify the city's role as a growing logistics hub. The facility's strategic location and the company's commitment to the region demonstrate San Antonio's appeal as a destination for global manufacturers.