diff --git a/Jenkinsfile b/Jenkinsfile
index 7826a61b96e7c42a79b821e5c15486cce949a276..98921ca26aee86479a9058070e2d2822adcc57e1 100644
--- a/Jenkinsfile
+++ b/Jenkinsfile
@@ -7,8 +7,16 @@ node {
 }
 
   stage('Build') {
-    sh "git submodule init"
-    sh "'${mvnHome}/bin/mvn' -U clean verify -Ptextgrid.deb"
+    sh '''
+      echo "===>  Initialising submodules"
+      git submodule init
+
+      echo "===>  Updating submodules"
+      git submodule update --force --remote &&
+
+      echo "===>  Compiling and building DEB package"
+      $mvnHome/bin/mvn -U clean verify -Ptextgrid.deb
+    '''
   }
 
   stage('Publish') {