Cummins celebrates 3 million turbo diesel engines produced in Walesboro

Cummins Inc. employees look at at photograph the 3 millionth Cummins engine built for the Ram truck during a ceremony Friday at Cummins Midrange Engine Plant.

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.

A banner that highlights the milestone achievement was unveiled, hanging from a ceiling beam, and will be displayed permanently at the plant.

For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.