Tell us a bit more about the history of Cummins in the UK?
Cummins celebrated 70 years of business in the UK last year, a platinum anniversary that represents a significant milestone in the story of modern British industry.
Cummins’ presence in the UK started in 1950s when Cummins Diesel Sales and Service was formed as a subsidiary of the official importer Blackwood Hodge, at that time one of the largest sales and services organisations for civil engineering machine equipment in the world.
Since then, we have never looked back and have four manufacturing plants and multiple sites, employing more than 5,500 people across the UK.
What services do you provide?
Cummins is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions for commercial and industrial markets globally.
Our products range from diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains. We also provide powertrain-related components including aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production and fuel cell products.
The Cummins distribution network supports our customers with parts and servicing requirements across the world.
Tell us about the recently refurbished turbocharger plant in Huddersfield?
More than £20 million has recently been invested in the Cummins Huddersfield site, which includes a newly refurbished Turbocharger Plant, Research and Development Centre, renovated offices and electric vehicle charging points.
The site was developed to help reduce the carbon footprint of the facility, and ensure it remains a contemporary working space for its more than 1,000 employees. Cummins also plans to provide £800,000 funding to build solar panels across the Huddersfield site.
The facility designs, develops, manufactures and refurbishes turbochargers, which are used across the world in vehicles and machinery like buses, trucks, and construction equipment. Close to 200 engineers at the site are helping to shape the business’ net zero strategy.
Can you give us more details about your growing relationship with Daimler Trucks and Buses and PACCAR?
Accelera by Cummins, the zero emission business unit of Cummins, Daimler Trucks & Buses US Holding LLC and PACCAR are partnering to accelerate and localise battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the United States.
The planned joint venture will manufacture battery cells for electric commercial vehicles and industrial applications with the total investment expected to be in the range of $2-3 billion for the 21GWh factory.
What work is Cummins doing in the area of hydrogen powertrains for commercial vehicles?
Cummins made a bold entry into the hydrogen economy in September 2019 with the acquisition of Hydrogenics, a global hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyser technology manufacturer, now a part of the Accelera by Cummins business.
We continue to make progress in innovating new products and applications in the hydrogen space. We focus on both ends of the hydrogen equation, with expertise in hydrogen fuel cells and building real world experience, the development of hydrogen internal combustion engines and establishing a position in green hydrogen production through water electrolysis.
How important is SMMT membership to Cummins?
Being a SMMT member is hugely important for Cummins. We have found it valuable to be part of the conversation on key topics, I recently had the opportunity to be part of the Moving Mountains Panel at SMMT Electrified, where we reflected on the challenges related to the decarbonisation of Commercial Vehicles.
Cummins also supports the work the SMMT is doing in the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) space in the automotive industry and were pleased to sign their Diversity and Inclusion charter.
Jonathan Wood, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Cummins.
