JCB offers relief

UK-based equipment producer JCB has donated US$250,000 worth of machines to relief efforts following an earthquake and tsunami on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Two of the company’s Loadall telescopic handlers – a 531-70 and a 540-170 – are on their way to the region. Fitted with grab attachments and capable of lifting loads weighing several tonnes, it is hoped the telehandlers will be useful for removing heavy debris. It is intended that the machines will then be fitted with other attachments, such as buckets and forks, to help with reconstruction efforts.

JCB chairman Lord Bamford said, “The scale of this natural disaster has shocked people all over the world and JCB always tries to help wherever these catastrophes occur. I hope our donation can speed up clear-up operations and help with subsequent redevelopment.”

This is not the first time JCB has supported relief efforts after natural disasters. Other examples around the world include earthquakes in Nepal, Chile, Pakistan and Haiti. In August of this year, JCB donated the use of a JS205 tracked excavator and an operator to the Indonesian island of Lombok after a series of earthquakes and aftershocks.