The huge order from the Perth-based company, which operates nationally, includes a bumper deal for 50 JCB backhoe loaders, at a time when new figures show a resurgence in demand for backhoes in the UK, with the market growing by more than 12% in 2022.

The investment will also see Perth-based Morris Leslie take delivery of excavators, site dumpers, telescopic handlers and compaction equipment, underlining its commitment to provide housebuilders and the construction sector with one of the industry’s most up-to-date fleets.

Manufactured at JCB’s factories in Rocester and Cheadle, Staffordshire, all the new machines are powered by the latest Stage V engines which deliver low emissions. They are also fitted with the JCB LiveLink telematics system which enables Morris Leslie Plant Hire and its rental customers to monitor the safety, productivity and emissions of the machines. The order will be supplied by dealer Scot JCB to Morris Leslie’s 14 nationwide depots throughout 2023.

Morris Leslie, chairman of Morris Leslie Plant Hire, said: “We are delighted to have agreed our largest ever order with our long-term partner JCB to support our 2023 growth plans and by the end of the year our entire JCB fleet will be operating with the latest Stage V engines.

“The backhoe loader part of the order is particularly pleasing, and we look forward to seeing ongoing growth of our JCB 3CX fleet. The backhoe continues to be hugely popular with our customers thanks to its excellent loading and excavating capabilities and the ability to travel directly to the site, cutting the need for costly transportation.

“Scot JCB and other JCB dealers around the UK continue to provide first-class service to our depots and our customers.”

JCB sales MD Marco Bersellini said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Morris Leslie Plant Hire.

“This deal demonstrates confidence in the construction market and confirms that JCB has exactly the right products to meet the needs of hirers and end users.”