JCB’s Pothole Pro Paves the Way for Smarter Road Repairs for AJ Bretherton
In the world of road maintenance, where time is money and disruption is a constant nuisance, one Blackburn based business is cutting a bold path forward.
AJ Bretherton, a seasoned groundworks and plant hire specialist, has found a game-changing solution in the form of the JCB Pothole Pro. And it’s not just smoothing out tarmac – it’s driving new business through the door.
A Smarter Way to Tackle a Persistent Problem
Potholes are a national frustration in the UK, and councils across the country are constantly under pressure to address them quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. Traditional repair gangs, typically armed with a jackhammer, broom, and bucket of asphalt, might get through 10 repairs a day. Enter the JCB Pothole Pro – a purpose-built, 3-in-1 powerhouse that can sort out more than 50 potholes in the same amount of time.
This isn’t just a minor upgrade. With its suite of dedicated attachments to cut, crop, and clean in a single operation, the Pothole Pro eliminates the need for separate tools or additional manpower. Each repair takes under eight minutes, making it four times faster and half the cost of traditional methods – a neat £30 per repair versus the usual £60.
Local Impact: Bretherton Takes the Lead
AJ Bretherton, a name well-respected in the Lancashire region, has now integrated the JCB Pothole Pro into its operations. The machine is currently being deployed under contract to Blackburn Borough Council and for private projects, including retail and industrial car park resurfacing.
Alan Bretherton, owner of the firm, explained the logic behind the investment: “We like to support British manufacturing, which is one of the reasons we choose JCB. It’s also a comfort thing for us – the cab in a JCB is second to none. Our operators love them.”
Speaking on the performance of the new addition, he added: “When it comes to the JCB Pothole Pro, there’s simply nothing else like it on the market. For our type of work, it’s the only choice and is helping us land more contracts of this nature. It’s been brilliant for our surfacing work.”
British Innovation That Means Business
Developed to address the growing challenge of deteriorating road infrastructure, the JCB Pothole Pro represents a clear step towards modernising the UK’s road repair strategy. Not only does it streamline the process, but it also improves repair quality by delivering cleaner, more precise patches.
The machine’s clever modular design means it can switch effortlessly between tasks, slashing downtime and upping efficiency. Its rotating cropper ensures clean edges, while the powerful sweeper attachment clears out debris before the asphalt is poured. Operators stay in the cab the whole time – safer, quicker, and easier on the back.
The Full JCB Line-Up
AJ Bretherton’s latest purchase was supplied by Gunn JCB, who also delivered the rest of the company’s fleet. This isn’t a one-off relationship. Bretherton now runs a fully JCB-branded line-up including TM320s, a JCB 403 Plus, JS130 tracked excavators, a compaction roller, and two JCB Fastrac 4220s. The latter two also moonlight as farmhands on the company’s 350-acre beef and sheep farm.
The business started over three decades ago as a one-man operation and has steadily grown to a 40-strong team working out of its Blackburn headquarters. Throughout that journey, over 40 pieces of JCB kit have been purchased, underlining AJ Bretherton’s commitment to reliable, British-built machinery.
A Tool Fit for the Times
The UK is battling an estimated one million potholes annually. According to the Asphalt Industry Alliance, the total cost of fixing England and Wales’ road backlog would now exceed £12 billion. That’s a staggering figure, especially when budgets are stretched thin. Innovations like the Pothole Pro offer councils and contractors a much-needed lifeline.
In fact, JCB estimates that widespread adoption of the machine could save the public purse tens of millions of pounds annually. The time savings also free up labour for other tasks, which is no small thing in an industry currently grappling with a skills shortage.
Speed, Safety, Sustainability
Speed and efficiency are all well and good, but the Pothole Pro delivers in other departments too. Its design reduces time on site, cutting down on traffic disruption and emissions from idling vehicles. Less manual labour also means fewer chances of injury – a clear win for health and safety.
For companies like AJ Bretherton, these benefits aren’t just a bonus – they’re key to maintaining a competitive edge. Clients expect greener operations and faster turnaround times. The Pothole Pro ticks both boxes.
Why the Market is Paying Attention
It’s no surprise that machines like the Pothole Pro are starting to gain traction across the UK. Local authorities, contractors, and private clients alike are looking for solutions that deliver measurable results. And let’s not forget: public patience for long delays and repeat repairs is wearing thin.
As AJ Bretherton continues to expand its reach with this high-performance equipment, it stands as a prime example of how local businesses can lead the way in modernising infrastructure.
Rolling Forward with Confidence
With pothole problems plaguing roads across the UK and repair bills continuing to mount, it’s clear that traditional methods just aren’t cutting it anymore. The JCB Pothole Pro brings a welcome shift in pace, precision, and performance – and AJ Bretherton’s early adoption is already paying dividends.
Investing in smarter tools isn’t just a matter of productivity. It’s about securing long-term growth, meeting evolving client demands, and delivering results that make a difference. One pothole at a time, companies like AJ Bretherton are laying the groundwork for a smoother future.
