Cummins lauded for green efforts
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Cummins Inc. has been recognized by Chrysler Group for preventing pollution and making communities better places to live.
Chrysler named Cummins its 2012 Sustainability Supplier of the Year. Cummins was among 12 suppliers to receive the Supplier of the Year award.
Terrence Q. Taylor, Chrysler account executive for Cummins, said the recognition shows that Cummins has produced a great product the right way, by reducing emissions and improving its communities.
Receiving the award from such an important customer is “a great recognition,” said Taylor, who oversees everything related to the Chrysler business, including shipments, warranty, problems and pricing.
The Cummins-Chrysler relationship is anchored by the Turbo Diesel engine Cummins makes for the Ram trucks. The 6.7-liter engine is produced exclusively at Columbus MidRange Engine Plant near Walesboro, which employs about 600.
Chrysler has seen significant gains this year, Taylor said.
In May, Chrysler’s pickup truck sales were up about 29 percent from a year earlier, he said. Chrysler as a whole has seen 12 consecutive months of greater than 20 percent year-over-year increases. Ford and General Motors have had months this year in which they’ve seen declines.
“We definitely have had a very strong year,” Taylor said.
Cummins said in a press release that innovative actions it has taken to reduce environmental impact also have helped the company’s bottom line.
The Cummins MidRange Engine Plant, for example, has a parking lot on its roof and operations mostly below ground, which has increased energy efficiency.
“Keeping operational costs low is vital,” said Wayne Ripberger, general manager of Pickup and Light Commercial Vehicle Engine Operations. “Utilizing the plant’s design, we are able to capitalize on its environmental benefits and that has helped contribute to our success over the past 20 years.”
The company said it “is committed to reducing (its) environmental footprint as part of its corporate responsibility value to serve and improve the communities in which it operates. Building stronger communities will ultimately result in stronger markets for its products.”
“We selected Cummins for the breadth and depth of its sustainability program, which covers all three areas of the ‘triple bottom line’: people, planet and profit,” said Greg Rose, Chrysler Group’s director of sustainability, environment, health and safety. “Cummins is highly adept at involving its employees in public-service environmental projects. Its management and employees should be very proud of their accomplishments.”
Taylor said he also sees the recognition as an important indicator for the two companies’ continued involvement.
“This is just a signal of our continued strength and partnership together.”
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