New Holland’s UK Basildon Plant Celebrates Two Millionth Tractor Production

Key Highlights

• New Holland's Basildon plant marks 60 years of production.
• Two millionth tractor: special edition T7.225 in 'candy blue'.
• Features include silver and black graphics with Union Jack and the '2,000,000 Basildon Tractor’s logo.
• Continued innovation with alternative fuel models and global exports.

Milestone Reached as the UK Facility Celebrates Six Decades of Manufacturing

In a year marking six decades of tractor production, the New Holland plant in Basildon, England, celebrates a significant milestone: the manufacturing of its two millionth tractor. This achievement is shared by only a few manufacturing facilities globally.

A Special Edition Tractor

The two millionth unit is a 225hp T7.225, one of the most popular models produced at the Basildon plant. To celebrate, it features a unique ‘candy blue’ livery, silver and black graphics with the Union Jack flag, a ‘2,000,000 Basildon Tractors’ logo, and a New Holland leaf bonnet top. The tractor also sports black wheel rims with candy blue edges, making it a standout piece.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President, expressed pride in this achievement: “This is a major milestone in the life of our Basildon plant, and a mark of both the dedication of our skilled employees here and the loyalty of our customers worldwide, to whom we are extremely grateful.”

The Journey of Basildon Plant

1964: The Beginning

The Basildon factory opened its doors in 1964, coinciding with the launch of the 37-65hp Ford 6X tractor series. The first models produced included the 2000 Dexta, 3000 Super Dexta, 4000 Major, and 5000 Super Major.

First Milestones

Within two years, the plant had produced 100,000 tractors. These early models were known as the ‘Pre-Force’ series until the 1968 launch of the ‘Ford Force’ series, which led to the retirement of the original model names. By 1969, the factory had produced its 250,000th tractor.

Half a Million Tractors

In 1984, the plant celebrated the production of its 500,000th tractor, a part of the Q-cabbed Series 10 range, introduced three years earlier. This range included models from 44hp to 116hp and featured innovations such as the SynchroShift synchromesh transmission.

The Millionth Tractor

Five years later, in 1989, the Basildon plant rolled out its one-millionth tractor, coinciding with the launch of the Generation III evolution of the Series 10 range. This year also marked the plant's 25th anniversary, celebrated with the release of special edition Silver Jubilee 7810 tractors.

Continuing Success

In 1995, the factory produced its 1,500,000th tractor, a Series 40 model. This came four years after Fiat acquired the Ford New Holland agricultural equipment business, creating today’s New Holland brand.

Looking to the Future

In July 2024, the Basildon plant reached its two millionth tractor milestone, symbolizing decades of dedication and innovation. Today, the plant exports tractors worldwide, including models powered by alternative fuels such as methane and compressed natural gas. This advancement is driven by the Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence, a specialized R&D department at the facility.

Celebrating the Milestone

The two millionth tractor will make special appearances at upcoming UK events before being displayed in the Customer Centre at Basildon, serving as a testament to the plant's rich history and ongoing commitment to innovation in agriculture.

Also Read: VST Zetor Tractors Launched in Gujarat

CMV360 Says

The Basildon plant's milestone of producing its two millionth tractor is a testament to its six decades of excellence and innovation. With a rich history and a forward-looking approach, New Holland continues to lead in agricultural technology. The special edition T7.225 celebrates this achievement, symbolizing the dedication of its skilled employees and the loyalty of its global customers. The future looks promising with a focus on alternative fuel technologies.