Cummins Inc. Corporate Office Building in downtown Columbus is shown in this file photo from April. Republic file photo
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins Inc. has halted some of its operations in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine and is denying media reports that it was contributing engines or parts to military-vehicle production in Russia.
The Columbus-based company said Tuesday it has stopped some operations in Russia — including shipments of engines with more than 400 horsepower — to customers in the country to ensure “those can’t be used improperly,” corporate spokesman Jon Mills told The Republic.
In Russia, Cummins mainly sells engines in the agricultural sector, backup generators for hospitals, as well as engines for smaller vehicles and electric truck and bus engines, among other products, but does not conduct any business there in the military or defense sectors, the company said.
Cummins has more than 700 employees in Russia but none based in Ukraine.
“We have halted some of our operations, but we are continuing to conduct business with Russia that supports the health and safety of citizens on the ground where Cummins equipment powers parts of the agricultural sector, hospitals and many other elements of daily life and not for the defense or military,” Mills said. “Our intent is to limit the impact on citizens who are not participants in this invasion.”
The update from Cummins came as the United States and its allies continue to ratchet up sanctions against Russia in the days following the invasion of Ukraine, including a U.S. ban on Russian oil imports announced on Tuesday.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also has thrown business plans into disarray, The Associated Press reported.
McDonald’s said Tuesday it would temporarily close its 850 restaurants in Russia. Starbucks soon followed suit, announcing that it would close 130 restaurants in the country. Pepsi said it would halt soda sales but would continue to manufacture milk, dairy products, baby formula and food.
Cummins, for its part, said it is in compliance with all sanctions, export control requirements and company policies. Additionally, company officials adamantly denied media reports suggesting that “the Russian army is Cummins-powered,” saying those allegations were completely false.
“We also know there have been false and inaccurate reports in the media and on social media about our company and our operations in Russia,” Mills said. “We want to be clear that, for years now, Cummins has, and will continue to prohibit, our products from being used in Russian military and defense equipment from Cummins directly, from our customers, and from our joint venture.”
For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
