Cummins-Meritor confirmed an expansion plan for its manufacturing plant in Henderson County, N.C., where it produces drive axles, axle housings, input shafts, gears, and carriers for truck, specialty and tactical-wheeled programs. The Cummins Inc. subsidiary is increasing electric axle production at the plant with upgrades to its connectivity and automation technologies.
In August, commercial-vehicle powertrain manufacturer Cummins Inc. completed its approximately $3.7-billion takeover of Meritor, bringing drivetrain, mobility, braking, and electric powertrain technologies for commercial and industrial vehicles into its portfolio. Recently Cummins Inc. debuted an ePowertrain assembled with a Cummins battery system and a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, designed for heavy-duty trucks.
The North Carolina plant is Cummins-Meritor’s largest manufacturing location in North America, producing 70% of the nation’s Class-8 axles and components for customers like Volvo, Mack, Freightliner, Peterbilt, and Thomas Built Buses.
The longtime Meritor Inc. operation, with about 700 current employees will add 40 more jobs, according to a statement by Gov. Roy Cooper’s office. Local reports indicate the new openings will include positions for machinists, assembly, and welding technicians which have an average annual salary exceeding Henderson County’s overall average annual wage. The new jobs have the potential to create an annual payroll impact of more than $2.2 million for the region.
The $17-million expansion project has been incentivized by the N.C. Dept. of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, along with other state and regional agencies.
“Cummins-Meritor’s growth strategy includes more innovation and automation for its electric vehicle products,” stated N.C. commerce secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “North Carolina’s strategic economic development plan will complement the company’s smart factory expansion by helping develop the diverse and skilled talent that it needs for its next phase of growth.”
