New Holland Commemorates Two Millionth Basildon Tractor During Plant’s 60th Anniversary

New Holland Commemorates Two Millionth Basildon Tractor During Landmark 60th Anniversary

CNH – July 18, 2024

As the New Holland plant in Basildon, England, observes six decades of tractor craftsmanship, a remarkable achievement is being celebrated: the completion of its two millionth tractor. This milestone places the facility among a select few global manufacturers to reach such a significant production volume.

The two millionth unit is a powerful 225 horsepower T7.225, a widely favored model originating from the Basildon plant. It boasts a distinctive celebratory finish – a vibrant ‘candy blue’ exterior, accented with New Holland silver and black graphics incorporating the Union Jack, and proudly displays a ‘2,000,000 Basildon Tractors’ emblem, completed by a New Holland leaf motif on the hood. The tractor is further distinguished by its black wheel rims with a striking candy blue edge.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of our Basildon plant, a testament to the unwavering dedication of our skilled workforce and the enduring loyalty of our customers worldwide, for whose support we are profoundly grateful,” stated Carlo Lambro, Brand President of New Holland.

“From the pioneering tractors of 1964 to the advanced machines of today, we have come incredibly far in terms of capabilities, capacity, and technological innovation, empowering our customers to farm with greater efficiency. Yet, our commitment remains constant – to continue developing the cutting-edge technology our customers require to sustainably power their farms well into the future,” he added.

The two millionth tractor will be showcased at various events across the UK before taking its place as a centerpiece in the Customer Centre at Basildon.

A Legacy Spanning Sixty Years

The opening of the Basildon factory in 1964 coincided with the introduction of the new 37-65 horsepower Ford 6X tractor series, marking the beginning of its production legacy. The initial models included the 2000 Dexta, 3000 Super Dexta, 4000 Major, and 5000 Super Major. Within just two years, the plant had produced 100,000 tractors, later known as the ‘Pre-Force’ series. This preceded the 1968 debut of the ‘Ford Force’ 2/3/4/5000 tractors, which retired the long-established model names. Just a year later, the factory celebrated its 250,000th tractor.

In 1984, the 500,000th tractor rolled off the production line – a member of the Q-cabbed Series 10 range, launched three years prior. This range spanned from the 44 horsepower 2610 to the 116 horsepower 8210, incorporating advancements like the SynchroShift synchromesh transmission.

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

In 1995, the factory produced its 1,500,000th tractor – a Series 40 model – four years after a change in ownership following Fiat's acquisition of the Ford New Holland agricultural equipment business, leading to the creation of the modern New Holland brand.

In July 2024, the two millionth tractor emerges from the production line, signifying a memorable achievement for the plant in Basildon and the New Holland brand globally.

Today, the plant’s output continues to be exported worldwide and now includes the latest models powered by alternative fuels – such as methane and compressed natural gas. These are the result of recent developments at the facility's Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence, a specialized research and development department dedicated to innovative propulsion technologies.