The annual production rate of engines at Cummins’ UK plant in Darlington rose by more than 35 per cent in 2007, to 79,000 units. This equates to a record-breaking 360 engines a day.
The factory supplies 226 customers in 40 countries around the globe, for many applications. As a consequence of widening its customer base, less than 60 per cent of the UK-produced Cummins engines are used for automotive power units.
This strategy has also resulted in commercial success, with more profit being made between 2004 and 2006 than in the previous 80 years in total. Although heavy duty truck engines exported to the United States now account for less than 20 per cent of its turnover, overall business has more than doubled recently.
The firm’s latest financial results due out on 1 February are expected to break more records, further evidence of the robust condition of manufacturing in the UK.
