Cummins reorganising Kent operations

Engine manufacturer Cummins said it was adjusting to weak global demand for power generation equipment with a plan to relocate its generator assembly operations in Kent, UK.

The company said that over the next 24 months it would move its Kent assembly plant to Daventry, UK, and Phaltan, India, as well as Wuhan, China. It said the Cummins Kent site would be reduced and transformed into an important regional distribution and logistics centre.

Cummins chief operating officer Rich Freeland said, “By relocating our UK generator assembly operations to other locations, we can better balance our capacity with demand, and leverage our global supply chain strengths.

“We believe that making these changes will improve our manufacturing capabilities and processes, enhance our customer service, and generate efficiencies by further integrating our power generation and engine supply chains.”

For nearly 50 years, Cummins has had operations in the UK and currently has eight manufacturing facilities and 4500 employees across 23 sites in 17 cities.

“Cummins remains committed to our strong presence in the UK,” Mr Freeland continued, “We are working to implement changes across the globe that create a stronger and more competitive Cummins and underscore our mission and values.”

Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, US, Cummins employs approximately 55000 people worldwide and serves customers in 190 countries and territories through a network of 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and 7200 dealer locations.