Milestone reached on ‘flagship' scheme

An industrial development in Darlington has reached a key construction milestone.

GMI Construction Group has marked the start of steelwork on Cummins’ new 282,000sq ft warehouse and distribution facility with a steel signing ceremony at Ingenium Parc.

Representatives from Cummins, GMI and the wider delivery team attended the event as the first structural steel was erected at the 5.38-hectare site off Salters Lane.

Work began in June, with steel erection starting in September as the global power solutions business expands its long-established Darlington campus.

The new facility will connect directly with Cummins’ existing manufacturing and office operations, allowing the company to bring more of its logistics capability onto the site.

Plans include automated storage and ancillary office space, alongside a substantial service yard with HGV circulation areas, dock levellers and dedicated lorry parking.

More than 230 staff parking spaces and cycle storage will also be provided, with landscaping incorporating new planting, seating and biodiversity improvements.

Steve Walton, Cummins’ regional facilities director, said: “This development is an important investment in our Darlington operations and will allow us to bring more of our logistics activity onto the campus.

“Having that capability alongside our existing manufacturing, testing and other operations is expected to improve efficiency and strengthen coordination across the campus.

“Cummins has been part of Darlington for more than 60 years, and it’s exciting to see this latest investment now taking shape.”

Cummins has operated in Darlington since 1965 and employs around 1700 people locally across engine manufacturing and assembly, testing, technical and business operations.

The scheme represents the first phase of development at Ingenium Parc, a strategic employment site being brought forward by Darlington Borough Council.

Dominic Dickinson, the regional director for GMI, whose North East office is based in Stockton-on-Tees, added: “Erecting the steel frame is a major milestone for this project and is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work since we broke ground in June.

“Flagship schemes like this demand seamless collaboration between our client, the design team, and our supply chain. 

“The steel signing is the perfect moment to celebrate the collective hard work that has driven us to this point.

“Over the next few months, the building will rapidly take shape as we transition from the structural phase into the core fit-out.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.