By John Harmon, The Republic
jharmon@therepublic.com
The "rebirth" of Columbus Engine Plant to produce a new light-duty Cummins Inc. diesel engine is a "catalyzing" event for the Southern Indiana's economic development, according to President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Loughrey.
"Everything appears going on schedule right now in terms of plant upfit, choice of suppliers and working with potential customers," said Loughrey in a pre-annual meeting briefing with The Republic.
Loughrey admitted a personal stake in the new plans for Plant 1, especially after its heavy-duty engine line was moved to Jamestown, N.Y., in 2002, to the dismay of many Columbus residents.
It will add about 700 jobs to the local workforce and it has played a major role in the economic development partnerships.
One element was the recent announcement of the landmark $2 million in-state funding for Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus.
Another element is the May 21 announcement of the Southeastern Indiana "Dream It Do It" initiative, which hopes to strengthen the area's position as a manufacturing center.
Loughrey stated that an issue before the Plant 1 decision was made was "finding the right talent to staff the plant."
"That was one motivation: to use the announcement to get more people collaborating," said Loughrey. "We're hopeful that after the (May 21) announcement, it will be a catalyst for people in Region 9 - government, industry, educational institutions, post-secondary and secondary - to be working together."
Loughrey described the process as "sorting out how we work better together to the benefit of the area. We've got a lot of work to do there."
"We're at the point where everyone is saying the same thing and wants to head in the right direction. We'll see what happens when push comes to shove."
While DaimlerChrysler is a partner in the CEP project, other customers will be sought, Loughrey said. About 135 employees, mostly professionals, are on board, with 170 expected by year's end. Other current employees in Southern Indiana are being identified.
"The collaboration with the unions has been great, figuring how to move one employee from one plant and one contract to another plant and another contract," said Chairman and CEO Tim Solso.
He and Loughrey recently were asked to "start" the first engine - "although I'm sure it had been started before," Solso joked - and I was really impressed by how quiet it was.
"I think it is an amazing product and it may be our best product development effort in terms of designing a new engine platform from scratch," Solso said.