INDIANAPOLIS — Cummins Inc. Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger announced today in Indianapolis that Columbus will be the primary North American manufacturing center and corporate hub for the Electrified Power Business with a significant presence at the Columbus Engine Plant.
The company will also locate a new office building to serve as a hub for digital and information technology employees in Greenwood.
And in Indianapolis, the company announced that it has renovated space at the Salesforce tower and is in the process of building out additional space at its Distribution Business headquarters in downtown Indianapolis.
Cummins announced a $33 million investment into Columbus, with a significant portion going towards upgrading and equipping the 1.6 million-square-foot Columbus Engine Plant (CEP), making it the corporate hub and primary North American manufacturing center for the company’s newest business segment, Electrified Power.
Located at 500 Central Ave. in Columbus, Cummins selected CEP for this investment based on its close proximity to its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customer base, suppliers and partners. CEP also has a dedicated workforce well equipped to transform CEP into an innovative hub capable of delivering the next century of Cummins’ electrified solutions, according to Cummins officials. Upgrades to CEP began last year and are ongoing, as employees have already begun locating in the facility.
Cummins employs approximately more than 62,000 employees worldwide, with more than 10,000 in Indiana.
The company plans to add up to 75 new positions by the end of 2021 in Columbus, Linebarger said. New positions are expected to pay an average hourly rate higher than the county’s and state’s average wages. Hiring for a variety of positions will begin in the near future.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Cummins up to $950,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the job-creation plans in Columbus.
The announcement was made at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as today is Cummins Day at the Track.
The Greenwood building represents an investment of $35 million to $40 million, Linebarger said.
The announcement is being made at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop is at the presentation along with Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.
The expansion was announced as plans to expand the company’s presence along the “Cummins Corridor” with new building projects and investment along I-65 in its global headquarters in Columbus, in Greenwood and in Indianapolis.
Over the long-term the company projects continued global growth, including in Indiana, where it currently employs more 10,000 people. To address future growth expectations, Cummins is continuing to execute on its plans to create work environments across the state that foster growth and help attract and retain top talent.
“I am pleased to partner with the Governor and city and community leaders to plan for future growth across Indiana so Cummins can continue to have a positive impact on the economic and social vibrancy of our Indiana communities for years to come,” Linebarger said.
“Today is a significant milestone and a day of immense celebration as we commemorate 100 strong years of Cummins operating in the Hoosier state and look forward to 100 more, said Holcomb. “Cummins has from their beginning been a major force to Indiana’s strong advanced manufacturing sector, and we are so grateful for their commitment to continuous education and training for employees, particularly helping prepare workers for the jobs of the future.”
“Since its inception in 1919, Cummins has partnered with Columbus to provide jobs and quality of life opportunities for both their employees and the residents of the City”, said Mayor Jim Lienhoop. “We’ve grown together throughout the past century, with the understanding that what affects one of us – impacts us all. We are delighted that Columbus will be the primary North American manufacturing center and corporate hub for the Electrified Power Business. This innovative business strategy is something we’ve seen Cummins provide successfully throughout the past 100 years and are looking forward to continued partnership as they design for the future.”
Lienhoop said Cummins is planning to submit a tax abatement request in regard to the expansion which will be considered by the Columbus City Council.
“I’m proud to welcome Cummins as Greenwood’s newest corporate citizen,” said Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers. “Cummins has a storied history of success, driving innovation in its industry and serving as a model for meaningful community partnerships. Beyond the significant financial investment from one of the world’s largest and most historic companies, Greenwood will see an influx of several hundred new professional employees averaging six-figure salaries. This is a considerable achievement for our city and continues our significant economic development momentum.”
“For 100 years, Cummins has demonstrated its strong commitment to our community and the state of Indiana. From its headquarters in Columbus, to its state-of-the-art distribution center in the heart of downtown, Cummins continues to invest in the growth and success of our city. Today’s announcement expands the global company’s presence in the Mile Square, and paves the way to create more jobs and attract top talent to Indianapolis,” Hogsett said.
For more on this story, see Friday’s Republic.
