At a time when Cummins Inc. is undergoing change, branching into alternative forms of power, the company saluted a product that’s been a staple for three decades.
The Columbus-based company celebrated the production of the 3 millionth turbo diesel engine for the Ram truck on Friday at its Midrange Engine Plant at Walesboro.
Cummins and Ram representatives were joined in the plant’s staging area by first-shift employees and a group of 20 “founding fathers” who have been employed at the plant for more than 30 years to mark the occasion. The milestone engine that rolled off the assembly line Sept. 19 was on display for all to see in a staging area.
“I’m just thrilled to be here today with all of you to celebrate a monumental event. …So many people inside this room and outside this room made this happen,” said Melina Kennedy, executive director of Cummins Pickup Business.
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A banner that highlights the milestone achievement was unveiled, hanging from a ceiling beam, and will be displayed permanently at the plant.
Ram, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which made a commemorative truck for the 1 millionth engine, plans to give the purchaser of the truck containing the milestone engine a commemorative engine breather cover that Cummins made, said Cummins spokeswoman Katie Zarich.
Cummins, a 100-year-old global power company and diesel engine maker, has branched into electrification and hydrogen fuel cell technology. It launched its Electrified Power business segment at the start of 2018. It designs and manufactures electric and hybrid powertrain systems. Earlier this month, Cummins completed the purchase of Hydrogenics Corp., which develops and manufactures fuel cell modules and hydrogen production technologies.
However, it keeps motoring on with production of turbo diesel engines for Ram.
The Cummins-Ram partnership started in 1988, with a 5.9-liter engine for the Ram 2500 and 3500 models for the 1989 model year. Cummins replaced the 5.9-liter engine with a 6.7-liter version in 2007, which is still produced today and made at the Midrange Engine Plant.
“We’ve had plants that have made 3 million engines, but this is the first time we’ve ever done it for one customer. We’re very unique in that way,” said Nikki Wheeldon, manager of Cummins Midrange Engine Plant.
Wheeldon described the Cummins-Ram partnership as a good relationship.
“Our engine kind of sells their truck and their truck is an amazing truck. It works really well together,” she added.
At a ceremony in October 2006 celebrating the 1.5 millionth Cummins turbo diesel engine for Ram, Cummins said it believed the 6.7-liter engine would satisfy customers because it offered more power and torque, produces half the noise and is cleaner because it uses ultra-low sulfur diesel.
The length of the partnership between Cummins and Ram is rare in the auto industry these days, said Mike Koval, director of U.S. Ram brand product marketing.
“What is demonstrates is a dedication to similar sets of values … that really bore the test of time,” Koval said, referencing the importance of quality, reliability and durability. “We know that our success is mutually earned.”
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Cummins and Hyundai Motor Company are partnering to develop and commercialize electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.
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Cummins Inc. has been manufacturing turbo diesel engines for Ram trucks since 1988, when it began producing a 5.9-liter engine for the 2500 and 2500 models. Cummins currently makes a 6.7-liter engine for Ram trucks, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The engines are made at Cummins Midrange Engine Plant at Walesboro.
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