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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Cummins Plans Whitakers, North Carolina, Engine Parts Plant Expansion

04/13/2021
Global power leader Cummins will invest $42 million at its Rocky Mount Engine Plant (RMEP) in Whitakers, North Carolina. The mid-range diesel and natural gas engine plant produces engines for more than 500 customers and employs more than 1,800 people in Nash County.

The project will include a flexible machining line, utilizing computer numeric control, to produce cylinder heads for 9-liter engines. The improvements to manufacturing engineering systems software will further the plant’s adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and provide environmental improvements.

RMEP was originally established as a joint venture between JI Case and Cummins Engine Company and was named Consolidated Diesel Company in 1979, with the first engine produced in 1983. Since then, the plant has produced more than four million engines for numerous customers across the globe.

“RMEP is undergoing a multi-year transformation to modernize our facilities, become more flexible and efficient, and ensure future success for our customers and stakeholders,” said John Judd, Rocky Mount Engine Plant Manager. “Our long-term investments signal a future for RMEP of sustainable and profitable growth, longevity and increased opportunity for all of us. Execution and strong performance coupled with strategic and long-term investments ensures that Rocky Mount Engine Plant will be strong for years to come,” he continued.

In line with the company’s sustainability strategy, PLANET 2050, company officials said the plant will reduce water usage because of containment and enclosures on the new machining line, allowing less water to be used in the manufacturing process. Energy consumption will be reduced with this more efficient line, which features more efficient motors, an energy conservation mode, and a reduction in use of compressed air, which is currently one of the largest energy needs in the plant.

“It is wonderful to see one of our longtime and largest employers commit to such a large investment in our Nash community,” said Robbie Davis, Nash County Chairman. “Cummins has been a cornerstone of the Nash County business community for almost 40 years. It’s impossible to overstate the significance of this project for the community and our future economic development.”

Columbus, Indiana-based Cummins Inc. is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen generation and fuel cell products. Founded in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 57,800 people.

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