The UK’s largest excavator `bucket manufacturer – headquartered in Northumberland – is celebrating 45 years in business as it announces ambitious growth plans.

Miller UK, based in Cramlington, specialises in the design and manufacture of excavator buckets, quick couplers and other attachments for earthmoving equipment. Starting its humble beginnings operating as a one-man mobile welding service, the business has grown exponentially to its current manufacturing headquarters on Bassington Lane spanning across 160,000 sq. feet over 18 acres.

Originally founded in 1978 by Chairman Keith Miller, who was only 21 years old, the business grew organically to launch its very own range of couplers and buckets in 1986 designed for excavators, even pioneering the very first universal quick coupler. This hydraulic technology, never seen before in the industry, revolutionised the operations of hydraulic excavators by significantly increasing safety, productivity and versatility.

Known worldwide as a forerunner in safety, innovation and quality in couplers and buckets, Miller now employs over 200 staff across the globe, with almost 85% of its workforce located at Miller’s North East headquarters.

And with a well-established global manufacturing and distribution network – with two foundries in China, extensive manufacturing facilities in India, new assembly workshops in Vietnam and distribution centres in New Zealand and Australia to cater for the company’s global demand – the firm supplies its earthmoving equipment in over 50 countries.

Recently named as the North East’s Manufacturer of the Year (over £25m) at Inside Media’s Made in the UK awards, the last 12 months has seen Miller grow its presence in new markets across the world and expand its global operations and reach in new territories.

Keith Miller, Founder and Chairman at Miller UK said: “It is a fantastic achievement reaching 45 years in business. The success has been largely driven by Miller’s excellent brand reputation across the globe and by the team’s – both old and new – firm commitment to be at the very forefront in safety, quality and innovation in everything we do.

“Working with the very best people, and with the right leaders in the business making strategic decisions and driving the company forward, we have exciting plans to continue to grow our global operations and sales.”

Miller plans to continue to invest in R&D continuing to enhance its product portfolio, as well partnering with likeminded companies to implement various new ways of working. The business is already well underway with rolling out a robust digitalisation strategy that will streamline manufacturing processes driving efficiencies and cost savings for customers. The new processes and systems will ensure that high quality manufacturing is maintained across the globe.

In 2022 Miller achieved a gold standard in the Better Health at Work award in recognition for its continual commitment in promoting a healthier lifestyle across its workforce. As part of this Miller has several health advocates responsible for launching and driving various initiatives across the whole business.

Keith said: “As we continue to grow, it is important that we invest in the business, and – most importantly – our people to ensure we continue to be an attractive company to work at. We will also ensure that our employee engagement initiatives continue to remain very much an integral part of the business as we expand, as it is the people that make Miller the great company that it is.”

Established in 1978. Miller UK is a privately owned international company supplying its trusted products to a wide range of leading earthmoving manufacturers, including the likes of Komatsu, Hitachi, Volvo, Sany, LiuGong, Kubota, Case, Cat, and JCB as well as an established independent global distributor network and end users worldwide. The company prides itself on constantly pushing technology boundaries to ensure its earthmoving attachments are at the very forefront of safety standards and efficiency.