King Charles Celebrates JCB Anniversary, Tours Brewery in Staffordshire

During a recent visit to Staffordshire, King Charles celebrated the 80th anniversary of JCB, a leading construction equipment manufacturer, before heading to Tower Brewery in Burton upon Trent. At JCB, he engaged with employees and apprentices, helped fit a tire on a backhoe loader, and met a centenarian employee who worked on the factory floor in 1945. Later, at Tower Brewery, the King pulled a pint of 'Gone for a Burton' and sampled a 41% proof spirit named 'The Spirit of Burton,' humorously noting its strong flavor. Brewery owner John Mills shared insights about the local brewing heritage, and the King expressed his interest in the brewing process. He also received bottles of the brewery's products to take home. The visit highlighted both the rich history of JCB and the local brewing industry in Staffordshire.