Cummins Inc. celebrated the reopening of its worldwide technical center hub office tower in Columbus.
The office tower at the Cummins Technical Center on McKinley Ave. had been under renovation since 2021. Except for minor cosmetic improvements and flood restoration, the building hadn’t been renovated since its opening in 1968. The office tower now has a newly renovated interior.
“Much of the research and development for our next-generation power solutions start right here in this very hub – driven by our mission to power a more prosperous world,” said Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO, in a press release.
The Cummins Technical Center is the company’s first and longest-standing tech center. Its design was the work of mid-century modernist designer Harry Weese. Prior to its construction, Cummins had 50 test cells. The completion of the technical center added 88 test cells.
In 2023, Cummins invested $1.4 billion in future technologies and products, including the Cummins HELM™ platforms. HELM is short for “higher efficiency, lower emissions and multiple fuels.” They provide customers with the option to choose the fuel type(s) and applications that best suit their needs, while also reducing emissions.
“I am grateful to our CTC employees for their patience and perseverance during this much-needed renovation,” Tim Frazier, vice president – research & technology, said. “We are so glad to have our Cummins HELM™ engineers, technical specialists and innovators together again under the same roof working as a coordinated team, close to the technology and testing being executed here.”
The office portion of the technical center is a six-story tower, with 72,000 square feet of office space on five floors. It holds approximately 500 employees, primarily focused on research and development for technology for North America and global markets.
HOK of St. Louis, Missouri completed the architectural design of the renovation. F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Inc., of Indianapolis completed the construction.
The renovated building features a new staircase, two social hubs, gender-neutral restrooms, nursing rooms and quiet spaces. The renovation also includes eight treadmill desks and 90 conference rooms of various sizes.
Cummins Inc. is comprised of five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components. Cummins has had its headquarters in Columbus, Indiana since its founding in 1919.
