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JCB Inc. celebrated production of its 300,000th backhoe--loader in April 2004. The 214 backhoe--loader was manufactured in Savannah, GA, for JCB dealer Wajax Industries of Lachine, Quebec, Canada.

JCB has been manufacturing backhoe--loaders since late company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford invented the first model in 1954. Today, the company offers 21 different models and sells machines in 130 countries.

“Selling 300,000 of this type of machine is truly a landmark achievement for JCB,” says Sir Anthony Bamford, chairman and managing director. “My father, more than anyone, has been associated with the development of the backhoe--loader through the years, and it was born out of inspiration and a desire to deliver unbeatable productivity.”

Volvo Construction Equipment has sold its Florida construction equipment distribution marketing area, with the exception of Tallahassee, to Flagler Construction Equipment LLC. Flagler will service its new market areas from current Florida LB Smith branch facilities in Orlando, Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa.

Volvo also announced the sale of the Nashville and Memphis, TN, market areas to Scott Construction Equipment Co., the company’s Louisiana dealer. The new market areas will be served from current LB Smith branch offices. Scott Equipment has also been named the Volvo CE dealer for most of the state of Mississippi.