Cummins Inc. will establish a new Powertrain Test Facility on its Darlington, United Kingdom, location to help expedite the transition to cleaner, next-generation power technologies focused on greenhouse gas reduction and air quality improvement.
The new facility’s ground preparation work has begun, with the first phase of the £14 million investment set to begin operations in May 2023.
The facility is fuel-independent and will enable Cummins to develop and test a broader choice of power technologies, including the latest universal engine platforms with green hydrogen, renewable natural gas, or sustainable diesel variations. Additionally, the capability for installation and testing will be extended to hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric powertrains.
Advanced dynamometers will be capable of testing not just powertrains, but also chassis-mounted powertrains and vehicles ranging in size from a tiny SUV to heavy-duty trucks weighing more than 44 tons or a double-deck bus. Off-road equipment, such as construction equipment and agricultural tractors, will now be eligible for dyno testing.
“We are very excited to announce this significant investment in the new Powertrain Test Facility at Darlington, which will be an important element in Cummins Destination Zero strategy to deliver a broad portfolio of power solutions to meet the world’s sustainability challenges,” said Jonathan Atkinson, Executive Director of Cummins On-highway Business in Europe.
“The new facility will further enhance the ability of Cummins European Technical Operations to introduce low-to-zero carbon power solutions and meet the forthcoming Euro VII very low emission regulations, likely to take effect around 2025,” added Atkinson.
Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, commented, “It’s brilliant news that Cummins is set to invest £14 million into their Darlington plant to build a new Powertain Test Facility. Teesside’s leading position as ground zero for net zero means there is no better place to develop the cleaner, healthier, and safer technologies of the future.”
“We’ve already seen how Cummins’ position at the forefront of developments into hydrogen engines is securing hundreds of jobs at their facility and this new investment is another great example of how they are creating even more good-quality, well-paid jobs by developing and pushing forward net zero innovation in in Teesside.”
Upskilling for the development of sustainable energy technologies
Cummins Darlington complex combines manufacturing, technical, testing, and business services on a single site, employing around 1,500 people. The new Powertrain Test Facility will give opportunity for current employees to upgrade their skills, as well as attract and train new staff.
Automotive National Officer for Unite, Steve Bush, said, “Today, Unite welcomes the huge investment by Cummins into the Darlington plant that will create and provide an exciting opportunity for the current workforce to upskill, as well as creating high quality and skilled jobs.” Bush added, “It is clear that Cummins is at the forefront of the JUST initiative, the transition towards a climate-neutral economy in a fair way that leaves no one behind, and I urge government to support them in their efforts to fully transition. Manufacturers like Cummins must be supported with an industrial strategy, that not only allows development but also shows global leadership in this area. Unite looks forward to supporting Cummins in this new era for manufacturing. Credit must be paid to the hard working, dedicated and committed workforce at Cummins.”
