Cummins Turbo Technologies, a subsidiary of Cummins Inc., is consolidating its turbocharger operations in Charleston, S.C., into a single facility over the next 18 months.


Currently, Cummins Turbo Technologies produces turbochargers for a range of diesel engines at two facilities in the Charleston area, which together employ approximately 530 people.

Cummins will phase out its turbocharger manufacturing operation at Leeds Avenue while at the same time expanding operations at its facility in the Palmetto Industrial Park in Ladson, which the company opened in 2006.

"Consolidating our two Charleston area operations into a single location will allow us to become more efficient and is consistent with Cummins' strategy of being a low-cost producer in all its businesses," said Cummins Turbo Technologies President Jim Lyons. "This move will reduce the complexity of our operations and allow us to better serve our customers around the world."

As part of the consolidation, the Palmetto site will be expanded by more than 83,000 square feet to accommodate an additional assembly line, bringing the total size of the facility to more than 207,000 square feet. The transition to the Palmetto site is expected to be completed by the end September 2010.

Cummins Inc. has had a manufacturing presence in the Charleston area since the 1970s. Cummins Turbo Technologies, then known as Holset Engineering, began operations in Charleston in 1989.