Shadow Chancellor visits Cummins Darlington

Today, Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced that Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, visited Cummins Darlington to learn more about the company’s investment in sustainable technology.

The Shadow Chancellor was joined by Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Darlington, Lola McEvoy. Both learnt how the manufacturer is investing to support industry decarbonisation. Steve Turner, Assistant General Secretary and Steve Bush, Automotive National Officer, both of Unite the Union, also joined the visit to discuss how Cummins ensures fair working conditions for all employees.

During a tour of the Cummins Darlington site, attendees engaged in discussions with engineers involved in developing Cummins’ hydrogen internal combustion engine and learnt about the processes and practicalities of the technology. Jonathan Atkinson, Executive Director, Product Strategy provided a greater understanding of Cummins’ continued investment into staff and wider zero-carbon and net-zero technologies.

Both Reeves and McEvoy also spoke with apprentices whilst visiting the Darlington plant. They learnt how Cummins apprenticeships equip workers with skills for the future and how these training roles play an important part in developing innovative products.

Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “It’s fantastic to have a state-of-the-art engine plant facility like this in Darlington, providing highly skilled manufacturing jobs to the local area. I was delighted to see Cummins’ commitment to advancing innovative zero carbon and net-zero technologies and see how Darlington expertise is benefitting markets around the world. It is crucial that we grow the economy with innovation and productivity, and Cummins is a great example of how an international business can flourish in the UK with these focuses at the forefront of their strategy.”

Lola McEvoy, Labour Parliamentary candidate for Darlington, added: “I was proud to introduce Labour's Shadow Chancellor to Cummins in Darlington. Rachel Reeves has a plan to tackle the issues facing businesses in our town and together we will help employers like Cummins, who invest in our town and their workforce, to thrive. We must stabilise our economy and supporting businesses who share our vision for growth is key to that.”

Steve Bush, Automotive National Officer, Unite the Union, said: “Unite is pleased to see Cummins investing in innovative technologies like hydrogen internal combustion engines. Manufacturing businesses like Cummins must be supported with this technology to help create skilled jobs for the future.”

Jonathan Atkinson, Executive Director, Product Strategy at Cummins, also said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Lola McEvoy and Unite to Cummins Darlington. The development of net-zero and low-carbon technologies is crucial, as it will pave the way for a sustainable future for all.

"The growth of our staff is also hugely important to our business and achieving our Destination Zero strategy. We are committed to providing staff with ample opportunities for development, as we recognise how nurturing talent leads to innovation in the industry.”