Cummins awarded US$75m for zero-emissions manufacturing

Indiana, US-based engine builder Cummins Inc has been awarded US$75m by the US Department of Energy to convert approximately 360,000ft² of existing manufacturing space at its Columbus Engine Plant (CEP) for the production zero-emissions components and electric powertrain systems.

Cummins will match the government grant dollar-for-dollar and invest a further $75m of its own to convert the space and expand production of battery packs, powertrain systems and other battery-electric vehicle components for Accelera by Cummins, the company’s zero-emissions business segment. The firm anticipates adding up to 250 full-time jobs, with opportunities for the plant’s existing workforce to transition to many of these positions over time.

“This Department of Energy grant is another step forward in the progress we are making toward a zero-emissions future and expanding battery manufacturing in the United States, strengthening our global position in electrified solutions for commercial markets,” said Accelera by Cummins president, Amy Davis.

“Today’s announcement represents a crucial step in advancing electrification and domestic battery supply chains. Partnership with government, customers, and the industry as a whole is required to accelerate the shift to zero. We are proud of this milestone and to be adding clean tech jobs to develop the workforce and communities of the future.”

Upon the completion of this project, the Columbus plant will house approximately 350 employees focused on EV-related work with nearly half of the 1.42m ft² facility, which opened in 1926, dedicated to zero-emissions manufacturing.

Electric powertrains produced at the site are estimated to result in greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 104m metric tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030.

“Known as Plant One, CEP was Cummins’ first engine plant in our headquarter city of Columbus, Indiana, and this grant allows us to broaden the legacy of the site even further,” said Cummins chair and CEO, Jennifer Rumsey. “By expanding the production of batteries and electric vehicle components at CEP, at the same plant where we manufacture blocks and heads for our current and next-generation, engine-based solutions, we continue to prove our commitment to destination zero and dedication to innovation, strengthening the communities we serve and environmental stewardship”