US-based Cummins Inc, an engine and power systems manufacturer, has opened a new UK Logistics Centre (UKLC), its first cross-business operations hub, to better serve its customers through centralising processes and increased efficiency.

The 435,000ft² centre in Daventry consolidates the storage capacity previously shared across both Cummins and third-party warehouses to support its UK manufacturing sites and its aftermarket products, under one roof.

This innovative facility allows for greater speed and flexibility across the supply chain to best meet customer needs while minimising the centre’s environmental impact.

Andy Fenn, site leader for UKLC, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to see the Cummins UK Logistics Centre come to fruition. This project truly demonstrates Cummins’ continued investment within the UK and a new way for Cummins to manage its logistics and supply chain network within Europe.

“In the current climate where jobs have been significantly impacted by Covid-19, I am proud we have created nearly 100 new roles in the area, in addition to the Cummins workforce currently employed in Daventry and Rugby.”

As part of Cummins’ ‘Planet 2050’ sustainability strategy to address climate change and conserve natural resources, the UKLC project focused on reducing the centre’s environmental impact. The facility has been given a BREEAM Outstanding rating, a sustainability assessment ranking the facility in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings.

The warehouse is designed to be self-powered for six months of the year, via PV solar panels and a Cummins QSK60G gas generator as back up. Other environmentally focused features include the sites’ ability to harvest rainwater and the available electric vehicle charging points for staff. The UKLC project supported local businesses, using suppliers from within a 15-mile radius throughout the build.

Chris Heaton-Harris, MP for Daventry, said: “I am delighted to see the opening of Cummins’ new UK Logistics Centre, here in the heart of Daventry and the constituency. It is wonderful that the company has invested so much in this area and is such good news after what has been a very difficult year. I am also very impressed to learn about how much effort and research has been put into addressing climate change and conserving natural resources.”

Since 1972, Cummins has shown a long-term commitment to Daventry and surrounding areas, with its established production facility employing over 1,000 people. The factory makes high horsepower engines for the power generation, mining, and rail sectors, along with complete power generation sets.