Work is now underway on a $4 million remodeling of both the General Office Building and Fuel Systems plant of Cummins, Inc., located between National and Marr roads, as well as between 10th and 17th streets.
Crews are now in the process of demolishing old conference rooms and mezzanines, Cummins External Communications Manager Lauren Daniel said.
With plans developed by the architectural and engineering firm Mussett Nicholas Associates of Indianapolis, the office upgrades and plant renovations are being treated as two separate projects handled by different contractors.
Force Construction Co. is in charge of the largest project: a $3.2 million facelift involving 58,700 square feet of the office building, according to building permits issued by the Columbus/Bartholomew County Dept. of Technical Code Enforcement.
Besides reconfiguring walls to create more space and eliminating the second floor mezzanine, architectural and technical plans show the company will also be removing a first-floor ramp and installing new carpet. Crews will also install an upgraded electrical system, a new ceiling grid, remodel all restrooms and add decorative columns, according to the plans.
There has been continuous capital maintenance on the Fuel Systems plant, the Cummins spokeswoman said.
“However, the office in the building hasn’t been remodeled for a long time,” Daniel said. “I would estimate it was last updated in the 90s and has remained relatively unchanged since then.”
The investment into the Fuel Systems plant will be smaller and less expensive. The company plans to spend $815,323 to remodel about 8,000 square feet of the factory, according to the building permit.
Plans show a large testing cell will be created, as well as a new inspection area. The company also plans to add new laboratories and additional offices.
“The individuals who will work in this space belong to the Cummins Electronics organization,” Daniel said. “The goal is to convert the area from an office into a lab for their electronics test and development equipment.”
The company has hired Taylor Brothers Construction to handle the construction in the Fuel Systems plant.
Due to construction, some employees have or will be relocated from one area of the building to a temporary space, the company spokeswoman said. But she adds those workers will move back once the remodeling is complete.
“It’s a relatively minor inconvenience that will be worthwhile for the improved workplace,” Daniel said.
The work is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year.
