Digger giant JCB has revealed the highest level of turnover in the company’s 66-year history at £2.75 billion.

The Staffordshire based construction and agricultural equipment manufacturer saw sales rise by 37 per cent last year, and it represented more than double the £1.35 billion turnover recorded in 2009.

The company sold a total of 69,100 machines in 2011, compared to 51,600 in 2010.

Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: “This record financial performance has been delivered on the back of very strong growth in both traditional markets and the emerging economies.

"While we are mindful of the continuing economic and political uncertainties in some parts of the world, JCB’s on-going investment in its 22 global factories, coupled with the biggest product launch programme in our history, means we are well placed to seize new opportunities for growth and deliver another strong performance in 2012.

“We are investing heavily in manufacturing facilities in the UK and overseas, and later this year a new 350,000 sq ft factory will start producing backhoe loaders and excavators in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Substantial investment in research and development continues to keep JCB at the forefront of construction equipment technology, including engine development programmes to further improve fuel efficiency and meet legislative requirements.”

JCB, which is the world’s third largest manufacturer of construction equipment with 22 plants on four continents, said earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) reached a record £355 million in 2011.