Tech center set to open

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Construction of Cum- mins Inc.’s new Seymour Technical Center is complete.

The company plans to have a ribbon cutting and give private tours of the facility Tuesday.

With two floors of open offices, collaborative work space and a cafeteria, the 89,350-square-foot facility is co-located with the Seymour Engine Plant on East Fourth Street.

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Total investment for the new technical center and parking lot is approximately $70 million. Construction began in June 2014.

The facility will serve as the company’s global headquarters for its high-horsepower division, bringing together engineers from several Cummins locations, including Columbus, to bridge the gap between the design, testing and production of current and future products.

Being at the same location puts the technical center in close proximity to 22 test cells dedicated to engine research and development work for mining, rail, oil and gas, marine, power generation and industrial applications, officials said.

Approximately 1,100 employees, including engineers and technical support staff will work at the Seymour Technical Center and Seymour Engine Plant, said Jon Mills, Cummins’ director of external communications.

“The Seymour Technical Center is the global focal point for Cummins engine development and low-emissions technology for the high-horsepower engine business,” Mills said. “Close working connections will be maintained with the worldwide Cummins engineering community at other high-horsepower sites in the United States, United Kingdom, China and India.”

As part of a $219 million expansion at Seymour Engine Plant, the company already has added testing cells and labs and production capabilities for its QSK95 engine, nicknamed the Hedgehog.

Cummins architect Alex White said the tech center is highly specialized and will operate as much more than just an office building.

The architecture of the two-story building continues the Cummins tradition of attention to aesthetics while providing an improved environment for its employees, he said.

The building incorporates health and safety issues, environmental concerns and energy efficiency and promotes increased productivity, White added.

Attending Tuesday’s opening will be Ed Pence, vice president of Cummins’ high horsepower engine business and Gary Johansen, executive director of high horse power engineering.

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