A $75 million federal grant announced last week to help convert nearly half of Cummins Inc.’s Columbus Engine Plant for the production of zero-emissions components and electric powertrain systems will further the company’s long-term goals and future sustainability.
That’s great news for Cummins, but also for Columbus and for areas where Cummins has a footprint — which is all of planet Earth, carbon footprint-wise. This investment is helping to drive a transformation in transportation and energy that’s just getting rolling, and in which Cummins is a key innovator.
The grant announced last week was the largest federal grant Cummins has ever received, The Republic’s Brad Davis reported, and the company will match it dollar-for-dollar. The investment will allow expanded production of battery packs, powertrain systems and other battery-electric vehicle (BEV) components for Accelera by Cummins.
“This funding allows us to continue transitioning Accelera by Cummins for the future through expanded battery production right here at CEP,” said Amy Davis, president of Accelera by Cummins. “Once this project is complete, we’ll occupy approximately half of the 1.4 million square-foot plant, and we might just officially change the name of Columbus Engine Plant to the ‘Columbus Electrification Plant.’
“… By creating demand for electric vehicle components here in the US, we’re driving closer collaboration with domestic suppliers, ensuring a more resilient supply chain for electric vehicles and paving the way to a more sustainable future,” she said.
An additional 250 jobs are expected to come online and the grant also will help retain about 350 jobs and offer STEM and robotics training and advancement opportunities.
Cummins President and CEO Jennifer Rumsey hosted officials from the US Department of Energy for the announcement that coincided with announcements of other grants totaling $1.7 billion for electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly at 11 locations in eight states. Kokomo-based Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, Ram and Jeep, also received $250 million to convert a transmission plant to produce electric vehicle components.
“By expanding the production of batteries and electric vehicle components at CEP, at the same plant where we manufacture blocks and heads for our current and next-generation, engine-based solutions, we continue to prove our commitment to Destination Zero and dedication to innovation, strengthening the communities we serve and environmental stewardship,” Rumsey said. (Destination Zero is Cummins’ goal to reduce carbon emissions to zero by the year 2050.)
“As a Columbus native, I am especially proud of the significant contribution Cummins is making to economic and social vibrancies of the local community alongside our broader goals of improving and decarbonizing commercial and industrial applications,” Rumsey said.
These investments will do much more than help Cummins meet corporate goals. We all benefit from the federal government’s recognition that Cummins is well situated to deliver on the promise of technology and innovation to reduce carbon emissions. That is one of the greatest challenges of our times — a reality that Cummins is addressing head-on.
