Nebraska Diesel School Receives Cummins Engine Donation

Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb., received a 2009 Cummins ISX diesel engine as a donation from Peterbilt of Norfolk, Cummins Central Power of Omaha, and the engine manufacturer

. The donation, valued at over $25,000, will be used an instructional tool at the school's diesel technology program.

"This new engine will be a huge asset to our program," said Tony Milenkovich, instructor in diesel technology-truck option. "It helps us keep our training equipment up to current diesel truck engine technology. Our sophomore students will be able to train on the latest in truck engine electronics, emission controls, and fuel systems."

"Our shop removed the 485-horsepower engine from a 2009 truck because of a minor factory defect, a small water leak," said Dennis Zimmerer, Peterbilt service manager, who handled the warranty issues. "We thought the engine would work fine for the college, and the minor water leak won't hamper its usage as a training aid."

Zimmerer contacted Cummins Central Power to find out from Cummins about the possibility of donating the engine.

"We're glad Cummins agreed to the donation, rather than scrapping the engine," Zimmerer said. "It will now be used by 80 advanced students for educational purposes. Hands-on training with this advanced engine technology will make Northeast Community College graduates even more employable by the transportation industry."

The local Peterbilt heavy-truck dealer, Peterbilt of Norfolk, is one of four full-service truck dealerships owned by Sioux City Truck Sales. The Peterbilt franchise offers heavy- and medium-duty trucks, parts and service from its new location on Highway 81 in Norfolk.

Cummins Central Power is an authorized distributorship for Cummins parts and service in the region and operates 12 full-service branches and one industrial branch.

"Peterbilt of Norfolk and Cummins Central Power are big supporters of our diesel technology program and hire a number of our graduating technicians," Milenkovich said.