Cummins is announcing today plans to invest $25 million dollars into the Seymour Engine Plant.

The investment will upgrade existing plant infrastructure at the plant, which is Cummins’ global high-horsepower headquarters. The company will bring in new manufacturing capabilities, including assembly, machining and block lines as well as testing equipment. The company is preparing for the addition of a new engine platform that will be launched for global customers in 2024.

The investment is also expected to create and retain more than 150 jobs over the next 5-10 years. The Seymour facility now has 1,100 employees.

Over the past 10 years, Cummins has invested more than $350 million in Seymour, including a significant renovation of the plant and the addition of a technical center.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Cummins Inc. up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s plans to create up to 87 new jobs by the end of 2028.

Seymour Engine Plant produces natural gas and diesel engines ranging in size from 15L to 95L. These engines support the power generation, rail, marine, mining, agricultural, oil and gas, industrial, and military applications.

The company’s announcement:

Global technology and power solutions leader Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), with the support of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the City of Seymour, Indiana and Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced plans to invest more than $25 million at its Seymour Engine Plant (SEP) over the next several years. The investment is also expected to create and retain more than 150 jobs over the next 5-10 years.

“After our significant investments into our manufacturing and tech center infrastructure over the last 10 years, our latest expansion decision will once again expand our ability to serve global markets and bring new products and technology from our high horsepower engine hub in Seymour,” said Norbert Nusterer, President, Power Systems Business Segment, Cummins Inc. “The evolving partnerships with our terrific workforce as well as the city help us build a more successful company, while in turn allowing us to contribute to stronger and more vibrant communities in and around Seymour. We are grateful to all stakeholders for the solid effort of past years on which this latest decision is built.”

The investment in upgrading existing plant infrastructure at SEP, which is Cummins’ global high-horsepower headquarters, will bring in new manufacturing capabilities, including assembly, machining and block lines as well as testing equipment. This investment will improve and refine the plant’s capabilities to prepare for the addition of a new engine platform that will be launched for global customers in 2024.

“This is exciting for our employees,” said Darren Wildman, Americas Operations Leader, Power Systems Business, Cummins Inc. “These investments ultimately mean we are going to bring to market the next generation of high-horsepower engines. A new engine platform allows us to tap even deeper into our exceptional technological, engineering and manufacturing expertise to create a game-changing product to serve more customers and expand into new markets.”

Over the past 10 years, Cummins has invested more than $350 million at its high-horsepower operations in Seymour, including a significant renovation of the plant and the addition of a cutting-edge technical center, bringing together key capabilities to enhance technological and product development. The investment has contributed to a nearly doubling of the employment at its Seymour operations, where it now has 1,100 employees.

“It’s a phenomenal day for Indiana as we celebrate yet another expansion for Cummins, which has been a driving force for Indiana’s strong advanced manufacturing sector from the very beginning,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “The investment the company is making now will benefit Hoosiers for generations to come, and it’s an honor to support them as they continue finding success in Indiana.”

The IEDC offered Cummins Inc. up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s plans to create up to 87 new jobs by the end of 2028. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“The decision by Cummins to again invest in Seymour is tremendous news,” said Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson. “We believe our commitment to create and maintain a business-friendly environment, when combined with the workforce they are able to attract from throughout South Central Indiana, are reasons Cummins continues to invest in Seymour. Not only does this project create new jobs, but it also will retain workers which is a win-win for everyone.”

“Cummins’ investment in Seymour will have an impact beyond the company,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “It’s an investment in the community and state. We were glad to do our part to provide incentives to help offset their energy costs.”

SEP produces natural gas and diesel engines ranging in size from 15L to 95L. These engines support the power generation, rail, marine, mining, agricultural, oil and gas, industrial, and military applications.

Seymour police are reporting that a person was shot this morning in the 900 block of North Ewing Street.

Few details have been released but police say that the incident happened around 3:15 a.m. this morning and the victim was taken from the scene for medical treatment. Their condition is unknown.

The incident is under investigation and police ask that you stay clear of the area.

Johnson County authorities say that a wanted Edinburgh man who didn’t show up for his sentencing hearing, turned himself in on Saturday morning.

37-year-old Michael P. Riddle was sentenced in absentia to 39 and a half years in prison on September 21st in Circuit Court. He was convicted of Dealing Methamphetamine of 10 or more grams, Possession of a Altered Handgun, and Carrying a Handgun with a prior felony conviction within the last 15 years.

Riddle was spotted in the Hancock area near Johnson County Roads 300N and 125W Thursday morning. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Greenfield Police Department, Indiana State Police and the United States Marshals Office searched for him for 12 hours. The search was called off around 10 Thursday night.

At about 10 til 5 Saturday morning, Riddle walked into the jail and told deputies he was tired of running from law enforcement.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and local advocates recently received approval to hold their annual Men Take a Stand event this year on Oct. 22nd.

The event will take place at noon on Oct 22nd on the front plaza at Columbus City Hall according to organizers with Turning Point Domestic Violence Services.

Participants will be asked to take a pledge to stand up against domestic violence and to lead by example in the community. Although called Men Take A Stand, anyone is welcome to attend. The event will be in person but social distancing will be observed during the gathering and an award presentation.

Lisa Shafran, president of Turning Point explains other activities.

You can get more information at turningpointdv.org or you can call 1-800-221-6311

Indiana Conservation officers are reporting that a man and woman were severely injured when their off-road vehicle crashed into a tree in northwestern Jackson County Saturday night.

Investigators say that the two were operating the vehicle on a roadway, but were not wearing helmets when they crashed. Speed and alcohol were possible contributing factors in the accident.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Pershing Township Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, and Lifeline Air ambulance assisted at the scene.

The names of the victims have not yet been released.

Columbus firefighters say a fire early Friday morning left two people homeless.

Firefighters were called to the home in the 1500 block of Sycamore Street at about 6:35 Friday morning and found flames shooting from the rear of the home. The residents had already escaped as had two of their cats, but two cats were still inside the burning home.

Firefighters first knocked down the flames outside the home, then made their way inside searching for pockets of hidden fire, attacking hot spots and searching for the missing cats. They were able to rescue both of the pets and reunite them with the residents of the rental home.

Firefighters say that while the fire started at the rear of the home, they are still investigating the cause of the fire. Damages are estimated at $10 thousand dollars to the structure and its contents. No one was injured in the fire.

The Salvation Army is providing emergency shelter for the residents.