Cummins

Cummins is a global power technology leader that designs, manufactures, distributes, and services a broad portfolio of power solutions. Founded in 1919, the Fortune 500 corporation is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, and is renowned for its diesel and natural gas engines used across the transportation and power generation sectors. Its operations span more than 190 countries and territories, supported by a network of company-owned and independent distributor and dealer locations.

History

The company was founded in 1919 in Columbus, Indiana, by mechanic Clessie Cummins and banker William G. Irwin. Its early focus was on improving the nascent Diesel engine technology, and in 1929, Clessie Cummins famously installed one of his engines in a used Packard limousine, driving it to the New York Auto Show to demonstrate its reliability. A major breakthrough came in 1931 when Cummins-powered Duesenberg competed at the Indianapolis 500, showcasing Diesel's potential in racing. Throughout the mid-20th century, the company grew by supplying engines for commercial trucks, construction and agricultural equipment, and generator sets, becoming a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in 1947. Key acquisitions, such as Fleetguard in 1988 and Onan in 1992, expanded its capabilities in filtration and power generation.

Products and services

The company's core product lines include diesel and natural gas engines for markets ranging from heavy-duty trucks and buses to construction and mining machinery. Its Power Systems business manufactures generator sets for standby, prime, and distributed power applications. The Components segment produces turbochargers, fuel systems, emissions control technologies, and batteries. In response to industry trends, it has developed a comprehensive Electrified Power portfolio, including electric motors, inverters, and battery systems for commercial and industrial applications. It also provides extensive aftermarket support through its global distribution network for parts, service, and digital solutions.

Operations and markets

The company operates through a globally integrated network of manufacturing facilities, technical centers, and joint ventures. Major manufacturing and research locations exist across the United States, including in Indiana, North Carolina, and New York, as well as in key international markets like the United Kingdom, India, and China. Its products are sold and serviced in over 190 countries through a mix of company-owned distributors, such as Cummins Sales and Service, and independent dealers. It serves diverse end markets, including heavy-duty and medium-duty trucking (with major customers like PACCAR, Daimler Truck, and Navistar International), bus manufacturers, rail (through ventures like Progress Rail), defense applications, and power generation for data centers, hospitals, and telecom infrastructure.

Environmental and regulatory issues

The company has been at the forefront of developing technologies to meet increasingly stringent global emissions standards, such as those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the European Union. Its Selective Catalytic Reduction and Diesel Particulate Filter systems are widely adopted for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter reduction. In 2022, it reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the EPA regarding allegations related to emission control defeat devices in certain engines. As part of its long-term strategy, the company has committed to its Destination Zero initiative, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 by advancing hydrogen engines, fuel cells, and electrified powertrains.

Corporate affairs

The company is led by Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey and is governed by a board of directors that includes members from diverse business and technology backgrounds. It is a constituent of the S&P 500 and its stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CMI". The Cummins Foundation, established in 1954, directs the company's community responsibility efforts, focusing on education, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Its global headquarters in Columbus, Indiana, is noted for its collection of modernist architecture, featuring buildings designed by renowned architects like Eero Saarinen and Kevin Roche.

Category:American companies established in 1919 Category:Manufacturing companies based in Indiana Category:Engine manufacturers