Columbus City Council approved a tax abatement on a $4.4 million dollar investment that Cummins plans to make in the Walesboro area.

The company is planning to take over and renovate an empty shell building that was originally constructed by Force Construction about two years ago on International Drive.

Michael Day with Cummins explains the work needed to create the company’s new Machine Integration and Rebuild Center :

Day talks about what the new facility will be used for:

According to company officials, the new facility will include 10 dedicated service bays, a wash bay, office space for about 45 employees, a fabrication shop along with an Integration lab and an engine build area.

In a press release, company officials said Cummins products are tested throughout the product development process including in model-based simulations, test cells and real world applications. The pilot center operations enables Cummins to integrate machines for testing. This testing helps ensure product performance, quality, and durability once the products are in production.

“We create innovative technologies our customers depend on, and we recognize that throughout the coming decades, some of our markets will include shifts to new and alternate technologies,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. “This facility will become a key tool in our toolbox as we work to provide turn-key machine integration solutions for our global customers. In addition, we can showcase our global integration technology leadership and provide an enhanced workspace for our employees.”

The Columbus City Council voted unanimously to approve the 10 year tax abatement. Councilwoman Elaine Wagner abstained from the vote and Councilman Dascal Bunch was absent.