Bamford told his workers that it was up to them to make a choice, but urged them to vote in the referendum on 23 June.

The referendum’s outcome, he said, “will determine the future of our country” and that it will have a “lasting impact on the lives of our children and grandchildren”.

“Over 53% of all UK exports go to non-EU counties.

“The UK is a trading nation and the fifth largest economy in the world. I am very confident that we can stand on our own two feet,” he stated in the letter.

According to Bamford, Airbus and BMW have also written to their staff about the benefits of staying in the EU.

Unaccountable leaders in Brussels

Bamford’s letter states: “I voted to stay in the Common Market in 1975. I did not vote for a political union, I did not expect us to hand over sovereignty to the EU.

“I certainly did not expect unaccountable leaders in Brussels to govern over us.

“So do I wish to remain in an EU of diminishing economic importance as it moves towards ever closer union? Or do I want us to pull out of the EU, reclaim our sovereignty and regain control of how we trade with Europe and the world?”

Full coverage: Brexit

JCB chair writes to 6,500 employees to explain why he favours Brexit

In the letter to his 6,500 employees in the UK, JCB chair Lord Bamford says he is "very confident" that Britain can stand on its own two feet.