Cummins Engine Company: The Heartbeat of Columbus, Indiana

Nestled in the small yet industrious city of Columbus, Indiana, lies one of the world’s most respected engine manufacturers: Cummins Inc. For over a century, Cummins has been synonymous with innovation, quality, and community involvement—playing a pivotal role not just in the global power solutions industry, but in the growth and identity of Columbus itself.

A Legacy That Began in 1919

Founded in 1919 by Clessie Cummins and banker William G. Irwin, Cummins Engine Company started in a machine shop with a bold vision—to harness the power of diesel technology and revolutionize the way industries operate. Though diesel engines were largely unproven at the time, Cummins and his team believed in their potential for efficiency and durability.

From those humble beginnings, Cummins has grown into a Fortune 500 corporation that employs over 70,000 people worldwide and serves customers in more than 190 countries.

Columbus: More Than Just a Headquarters

While Cummins is now a global name, Columbus remains its beating heart. The company’s world headquarters still sits in the city, occupying a sleek, modern campus that is both functional and symbolic. It's not just an office—it's a living museum of Cummins’ history and forward-thinking design.

The company has also invested heavily in the local community, shaping Columbus into one of the most architecturally significant small towns in America. With support from Cummins, buildings by architects like I.M. Pei, Eero Saarinen, and Kevin Roche adorn the city, giving it a cultural footprint that belies its size.

Innovation on Every Level

Cummins is best known for its high-performance diesel and natural gas engines, powering everything from heavy-duty trucks to construction equipment, marine vessels, and backup power generators. In recent years, the company has also taken bold steps into the future with alternative power technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, electric drivetrains, and hybrid powertrains.

Their technical center in Columbus is a hive of engineering brilliance, where researchers and engineers continually work to reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and create more sustainable power solutions for a rapidly changing world.

Community and Sustainability

True to its roots, Cummins remains deeply committed to corporate responsibility. Through initiatives like “Cummins Powers Women” and its environmental sustainability goals, the company actively contributes to social progress and climate action.

In Columbus, this commitment is felt in everything from educational partnerships and job training programs to environmental clean-ups and public art sponsorships.

The Road Ahead

As Cummins celebrates over 100 years in business, it continues to lead with a clear focus on innovation, inclusion, and impact. Whether it's developing zero-emission technology or advocating for cleaner energy policies, Cummins is setting the pace for what a modern industrial company should look like.

And through it all, Columbus, Indiana—quiet, proud, and resilient—remains the home where the engine of progress was first fired up.