Next to the proving ground is the factory that makes the machines. It looks eerily familiar to people who are acquainted with JCB. The company is Britain's biggest maker of construction equipment, and one of the world's six largest producers of this hardware.

The plant is painted in the same light green hue used for most of JCB's other factories around the world. It also uses a similar design to these other buildings. The plant's assembly operations fill a light and airy space at the back of the structure. At the front is a large office area, separated from an expanse of well-maintained lawn outside by a set of big glass windows.

The factory is a highly visible demonstration by Sir Anthony Bamford, JCB's chairman and main owner, about the company's long-term interest in China. The world's most populous nation is likely to be the most promising place in the world to sell construction machines over the next 20 years.