Cummins says it will invest $24 million over three years to expand the research and development capabilities at its technical center in North Charleston, S.C.


Plans call for hiring 31 new engineers, mechanical technicians and electrical technicians immediately, with more possible hires in the future.

The expanded facility will complement the original technical center at the company's headquarters in Columbus, Ind., which continues in operation, said Gary Johnson, tech center operations manager.

"It supports many facilities," he said of the South Carolina center, which tests engines made in various Cummins plants. "It has a higher horsepower range" than Columbus and can test engines up to 60 liters in displacement. It tests the full line of Cummins truck engines, from the ISB5.9 to ISX15.

"A package put together by state and local officials, access to a skilled workforce and community amenities capable of drawing skilled workers in the future all played an important role in our decision," he said. "Having a company facility that could be renovated was an important factor as well."

"The expansion nearly doubles capacity at this site with state-of-the-art facilities to enable testing on diesel, pipe line natural gas and non standard gas engines and help the Company in its drive to be the innovation leader in the industry," said Jim Trueblood, vice president, high horsepower engineering.

Representatives of Charleston County and the City of North Charleston participated in an announcement earlier this week.

"As one of Charleston County's most long-standing corporate citizens, Cummins has been a major employer in our community for the past 30 years," said Teddie Pryor, chairman of the Charleston County Council. "This exciting news concerning the growth of the Technical Center in North Charleston is a gratifying testimonial to the company's faith in our workforce."

"Cummins' research and development facility is a catalyst to our advancing high tech economy," said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance hosted the nnouncement event.

"Smart companies like Cummins are using innovation as a key driver of economic growth and we're pleased to celebrate their continued investment in our community," said CRDA Chairman R.M. Singletary.