SAN ANTONIO—JCB is building a $500 million factory here to mass-produce construction equipment for customers in North America.

Traditionally, tractors and other equipment used on farms and construction sites rely on loud, dirty diesel engines. But, that’s starting to change. A variety of manufacturers are unveiling battery-powered machinery that is energy efficient and powerful, yet quiet and environmentally friendly.

Although it’s one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction machinery, the Liebherr Group believes strongly in decentralization.

SAVANNAH, GA—Construction equipment manufacturer JCB will soon begin making backhoe loaders at its assembly plant here. The company will add 100 jobs to staff the new line.