diff --git a/Jenkinsfile b/Jenkinsfile
index c5986cf7331932da33120a1b029f12a59fbfea9e..8336cdf081ab6f2d36458f429e8c64c99504461a 100644
--- a/Jenkinsfile
+++ b/Jenkinsfile
@@ -7,7 +7,13 @@ node {
 }
 
   stage('Build') {
-    sh "'${mvnHome}/bin/mvn' -U clean verify -Ptextgrid.deb"
+    sh '''
+      echo "===>  Initialising submodules"
+      git submodule init
+
+      echo "===>  Compiling and building DEB package"
+      ${mvnHome}/bin/mvn -U clean verify -Ptextgrid.deb
+    '''
   }
 
   stage('Publish') {