Cummins Turbo Technologies Announces Expansion in Charleston County
July 17, 2008
Investment expected to bring 100 new jobs to the area
COLUMBIA, SC – July 15, 2008 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Charleston County and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance today announced that Cummins Turbo Technologies will expand its facility in Charleston County. The $11 million investment is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the area.
“On behalf of all of our Cummins Turbo Technologies employees at the two Charleston-area facilities (Leeds Avenue and Palmetto Commerce Parkway), I am pleased to announce a further increase in our capacity and investment in the Palmetto facility,” said Jim Lyons, President of Cummins Turbo Technologies. “This additional investment of $11 million continues the investments made by Cummins in equipment and people in the Charleston area and is a reflection of the hard work of our 750+ employees to continuously improve our businesses here. It has been two years since we celebrated the first production turbocharger, and I am pleased to recognize the efforts of all of our local employees by continuing to expand capacity for existing products and new products to meet the 2010 EPA legislation for North America.”
The expansion will include the addition of assembly and machining capacity at the Palmetto facility to support the company’s North American and export markets. Cummins Turbo Technologies opened its first Charleston area manufacturing plant in 1989, operating under the name Holset Engineering until two years ago. The company currently employs nearly 750 between its two area facilities.
“Cummins Turbo Technologies is a world leader in the manufacturing of turbochargers for diesel engines. Their decision to expand operations in South Carolina is a positive reflection that the state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to attract new investment and encourage growth among existing businesses. We wish Cummins Turbo Technologies continued success and look forward to a prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship with them in the years ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
Cummins Turbo Technologies opened its Palmetto manufacturing plant on July 21, 2006. The state-of-the-art facility has allowed the company to further leverage the Holset product name and grow its business in markets around the world. The Palmetto plant is 14 miles from the company’s other area plant on Leeds Avenue.
“We are elated with this news,” said Timothy E. Scott, chairman of Charleston County Council. “At a time when international companies are scrutinizing the entire globe for their optimum locations, Charleston is not only holding its own in world-wide competition, but we are prospering. In this latest chapter in the third decade of Cummins operations in Charleston, we are heartened that the Charleston workforce and business community have remained a recipe for success for Cummins. We at Charleston County welcome the chance to expand our already strong partnership with this world-class company in the years ahead.”
“Cummins’ decision to expand in our region sends a powerful message to other leaders in the automotive industry. Collectively, our three counties offer an incredible combination of assets for world-class manufacturers, and this expansion proves just how competitive we’ve become,” said Jim Bryan, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.
North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey also welcomed the announcement. “Companies such as Cummins Turbo Technologies help our region stand out on the international stage. We are proud this dynamic company is expanding in North Charleston, and we will do everything we can to ensure they continue to prosper here.”
Cummins Turbo Technologies is the world’s largest manufacturer of turbochargers for the medium-heavy duty diesel engines market and has a reputation for bringing innovative solutions to the specific product requirements of this key market sector. Its Holset brand is the best known in the industry. The company has seven manufacturing facilities located in Brazil, India, UK, USA and its joint venture in China ensuring support for engine and vehicle makers across the world. For further information, visit Cummins Turbo Technologies website at www.cummins.com/turbos.
