JCB chairman pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

Lord Bamford (right) introduces his family to HM Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to JCB in 1995.

JCB chairman Anthony Bamford has paid tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96.

Lord Bamford said it was with ‘huge sadness’ that he had learned of Her Majesty’s death. Today, JCB’s 11 UK factories will fall silent at 11am as a two minutes’ silence is held in honour of the life and service of the late Queen.

Lord Bamford said, “Her Majesty’s service and devotion to this country over more than 70 years will never be surpassed. We have been truly fortunate to have Queen Elizabeth as our head of state. It was my pleasure to welcome Her Majesty and HRH Prince Philip to JCB in 1995 when our company was celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“It is a day which will live long in the memory for many of us. I will be writing to His Majesty the King to express condolences on behalf of the company and my family.”

Flags at all JCB’s factories in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham are flying at half-mast.