Cummins Power Generation, a business unit of Cummins Inc., recently dedicated the production line for its newest line of mobile power generators for use by the U.S. Army. The event marks the beginning of the third phase of the partnership between Cummins Power Generation and the Army for production of CPG’s Advanced Medium Mobile Power Sources. The five AMMPS models range in power from 5 to 60 kilowatts and are designed to provide tactical power for military applications under extreme environmental conditions and duty cycles.
The latest milestone in the AMMPS contract, which began with an initial award to CPG in 2004, was celebrated recently with a dedication ceremony at the business’ manufacturing facility in Fridley, Minn. “Cummins’ work to provide a range of power solutions to the U.S. military dates back to World War II, and we are excited to celebrate this important next step in our partnership with U.S. Army,” says Tony Satterthwaite, president of CPG.
“Our next-generation AMMPS represent a significant leap forward in performance, fuel economy and reliability,” Satterthwaite says. “Our work with the Army on the AMMPS program demonstrates our joint commitment to providing our fighting men and women the tools they need to do their important work effectively and safely. Our new line of tactical power sources also will greatly reduce the environmental footprint associated while operated by the military, consistent with Cummins’ commitment to contributing to a cleaner environment.”
The latest generation of AMMPS is expected to deliver 21 percent fuel efficiency improvements compared to the previous models at nearly a 20 percent reduction in cost. In addition, the power supplies will be lighter, quieter and more reliable than previous generations. AMMPS sets are designed to be capable of meeting demanding operational and environmental requirements providing mobile, tactical electric power to deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines worldwide. AMMPS directly support weapon systems, tactical operation centers, communications, intelligence and numerous other battlefield systems.
CPG is headquartered in Fridley and currently employs about 1,800 people in the Minneapolis region. As a result of this phase of the program, CPG expects to add about 90 employees and invest nearly $14 million in its AMMPS manufacturing operation in Fridley. CPG also has plans to grow its employee base by more than 200 people in 2011, in addition to those associated with the AMMPS program, to meet the expected growth of its business. CPG also announced late in 2010 that it was investing $50 million over the next five years in its facilities in the Minneapolis area, including the purchase of a new office building in nearby Shoreview.
