Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) today celebrated the completion of construction of the Seymour Technical Center, a global engineering center office for the High-Horsepower Engine Business in Seymour, Indiana. The center is co-located with the Seymour Engine Plant in close proximity to 22 test cells dedicated to engine research and development work for mining, rail, oil and gas, marine, power generation and industrial applications.
The Seymour Technical Center is the global focal point for Cummins engine development and low-emissions technology for 19 to 95-liter diesel engine platforms covering a wide 500 horsepower to 5,100 horsepower range. The center is also leading the development work for a new generation of clean, high output natural gas engines.
Through telepresence rooms and other technology, close working connections will be maintained with the worldwide Cummins engineering community at other high-horsepower sites in the United States, United Kingdom, China and India.
The technical center and the concurrent expansion of the manufacturing plant at the Cummins Seymour facility represent a major investment in Seymour. Hundreds of highly specialized engineers and technicians will begin working in the new technology-focused and collaborative office environment in the coming weeks. With the 700 employees at the Seymour Engine Plant, Cummins will have more than 1,100 employees at the facility.
“With our laser-focus on meeting the needs of our customers, this technical center is a tremendous advantage in our quest to always be better, faster and first. This addition enhances our Seymour site, which is now truly an industry-leading facility for engine design, testing and manufacturing with world-class credentials.” said Ed Pence, Vice President and General Manager – Cummins High-Horsepower Engine Business.
Engineers and technicians in Seymour develop products for a wide-array of applications. These products are manufactured in Seymour, other locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and India.
The plant in Seymour manufacturers some of Cummins most attention-getting products, 70 percent of which are exported to countries outside of the United States. The QSK95, which is manufactured in Seymour, is the most powerful engine ever built by Cummins with up to 5,100 horsepower (3,281 kilowatt) output. It is currently in use in locomotive and power generation applications. When paired with the Siemens® Charger® locomotive, these engines will be used to power commuter passenger service projects in five of the United States.
Accelerated Engine Development
The engineers at the technical center have access to 22 engineering test cells at the Seymour plant, including 12 new cells recently installed with up to 7,000 horsepower (5,220 kilowatt) capability, sized for generator sets and power modules as well as engines. The test cell work can focus on specific aspects such as fuel efficiency, engine endurance under high load factors, or near-zero emissions measurement. Engines can be tested on every type of diesel and natural gas fuel, including fuel blends.
Features of the Seymour Tech Center
At nearly 90,000 square feet, the Seymour Tech Center includes highly flexible office environments. The exterior design, which features large, cantilevered steel canopies is a reference to the engineering work that will happen within the building. Raw materials and exposed structural, mechanical, and electrical systems in the interior work to create a shop-like environment, while also relating to Cummins engineering foundation.
“When we designed this facility we looked at how we could create a building that embodied our values,” said Phil Henry, Director, Cummins Engine Business Facilities. “With that end in mind, we established environments with things like workstations on casters and technology-rich collaboration spaces, which promote innovation. We also created a building in which energy efficiency was a key feature.”
Passive solar management for daylight control and active energy-efficiency management reduces the carbon footprint of the building to the lowest possible levels. Ergonomic designs are used throughout the workspaces and for high-tech audiovisual capabilities. With a mix of workstations, walk-stations and informal seating, employees are able to choose where they work. Several dozen meeting rooms and focus booths also are available to employees. The new cafeteria is used by both plant and technical center employees.