A pillar in the community since 1982, the Cummins-Rocky Mount Engine Plant employs more than 1,400 full-time employees and more than 300 temporary employees. 

The Rocky Mount plant builds diesel and natural-gas engines ranging from 90 to 600 horsepower. Ken Anderson, who joined the Cummins-Rocky Mount plant in 2008 and became plant manager in 2010, says they make nearly 4,000 different engine configurations from heavy duty automotive to construction equipment.

Economic Rebound Hits Rocky Mount Plant

The plant started to see some growth in 2010 in terms of economic recovery with increases in business from South America, Asia, China and Korea. As a result, the Cummins plant here has added roughly 600 jobs. Anderson says of those positions, most are skilled workers with about 25 or so being professional staff. 

“Many of the added positions came through temporary employment, but we have since converted more than half of those to full-time, and will probably add another 100 full-time employees by the end of the year,” Anderson says. “We are on pace for record volume produced in the plant in 2011.” 

“We are certified to produce the Dodge RAM engine, but we don’t,” he says. “We make the industrial version of the same engine. By changing a few components and a computer program, it becomes something that’s hauling industrial loads.” 

The production lines are capable of producing more than 750 engines per day and currently are running two full shifts. Of the company’s many philosophies, a major one is stewardship in the community.

Company Philanthropy is its Backbone

Anderson and the founders of Cummins Inc. believe the success of the RMEP stems from its steadfast commitment to community involvement and corporate responsibility, which focuses on education, environment and social justice. 

The company has completed several major projects through the years that have made a difference for the communities, not to mention the array of resources provided through partnerships with many of the nonprofits in Edgecombe, Nash and Halifax counties. The Rocky Mount Homeless Shelter, Phillips Middle School grounds, the Battleboro Community Center, Enfield Warriors Athletic Field and, most recently, the Whitakers Public Library, are among the major renovation or restoration projects the company takes pride in, as well as hosting a hazardous waste amnesty day, which was centralized at Golden East Mall to accommodate anyone who wanted to participate. 

The company partnered with the City of Rocky Mount to provide free energy assessments for residential customers and recently donated engines to three community colleges to assist in training programs to better prepare potential candidates for employment and workforce preparedness in general.

United Way Contribution Hits Six Figures Annually

To validate all that it continues to do, the plant’s annual contribution to the Tar River Region United Way has skyrocketed each year. The plant’s support makes up one-third of the community’s United Way budget. The plant was recognized in February 2010 with a Spirit of North Carolina Award for its campaign. The award provided statewide recognition for exceptional commitment and support to the community through the local United Way.

“It stems from the fundamental base of our company,” Anderson says. “We have paid time off budgeted for each employee to do community service because we realize at a minimum, a job puts food on the table. But if it’s a positive environment that affords you the opportunity to make a difference in the community, it is very satisfying, making RMEP a great place to work.” 

But you won’t find the Cummins-Rocky Mount plant plastered all over the press for its endeavors. The company doesn’t make a practice of sending out press releases about its charitable contributions. The plant simply empowers its employees and takes pride in a job well done. 

Additional editorial contributions provided by Gloria Wiggins-Hicks, RMEP Community Relations Manager