Data Select has announced an exclusive licensing deal to produce mobile phones and accessories carrying the JCB brand, a major manufacturer of construction equipment.

Following on from the original JCB Toughphone, Data Select and JCB have renewed their partnership to deliver a range of new Toughphones.

The range will offer a number of handsets from entry level to smartphone, opening up Toughphone technology to customers of all levels. Whereas the original JCB Toughphone focused on strength, the new range will be feature-rich with dual SIM, camera, fully waterproof, GPS, torch and touchscreen technology available on selected models.

Data Select won a competitive tender against other potential partners to secure the licence. "We feel the quality of the products we brought to the table, our market reach, marketing experience and total proposition helped secure the contract", commented Roy Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer at Data Select.

The new range will be launched later in the year at Data Select's Platinum Club conference and will be available exclusively from Data Select in early October. The range is expected to sell through independent dealers, high street retail, specialist retailers and online.

Taylor added: "The JCB Toughphone range will have a wide appeal. From parents looking to give kids a robust first phone, through to outdoor types, white van man and of course the construction trade. When we announce the actual range and each phone's capabilities, we're confident the market will react positively."