Happy 20th anniversary to Cummins Czech Republic

Before April 2004, Cummins customers in the Czech Republic relied on an independent distributor primarily concerned with the power generation market plus a number of independent repair shops.

Creating a Cummins-owned distributor was seen as key to establishing a strong and reassuring presence in a developing market, which over the past two decades has become a major manufacturing base for several globally recognised original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The bulk of the customers served by Cummins Czech Republic, whose remit incorporates neighbouring Slovakia, operate in the agriculture, power generation, mining and construction market segments.

There are also key automotive accounts as well as direct support for national institutions and infrastructure projects.

Cummins Czech Republic was launched one month ahead of the country being welcomed into the European Union as an official member in April 2004.

Accession to the EU was seen as a turning point for the Czech Republic as it opened up the country to new opportunities for investment and growth.

Highly competitive labour costs and a skilled workforce made it an attractive proposition as a manufacturing hub.

“We started here at our headquarters in Prague with just three employees and one technician,” said Lukas Skoda, Cummins Czech Republic Country Leader.

"Today, we have 19 employees, six technicians and four independent authorised dealers covering our territory. We also support the dealer networks of some of our OEM customers."

Lukas said everyone within the business was proud to reach the 20-year milestone.

“Over the past two decades, we have seen engine technology develop considerably, and we have responded to our customers’ demands for ever greater levels of technical and strategic support,” he said.

Back in April 2004, Europe was at Euro III/IV emissions certification for automotive engines and Stage II for mining and industrial engines to be certified. Now, the standard is Euro VI for diesel, natural gas and hybrid, working toward Euro VII, and mining and industrial engines are at Stage V.

Meanwhile, Cummins is making technical advancements in new power solutions, including powertrains, batteries and fuel cells, which will help enrich future partnerships with customers in the Czech Republic and across Europe.

In its 20 years of operation, Cummins Czech Republic has established itself as a force for good in the community. More than 90% of Cummins Czech Republic employees participate in Cummins Every Employee Every Community (EEEC) volunteer programme annually.

Since 2016, employees have volunteered more than 900 EEEC hours to help local community partners that are supporting environmental education, restoration and waste reduction as well as projects focused on reducing isolation for the elderly.

The success of Cummins in the Czech Republic and Slovakia over the past 20 years owes much to the commitment of a loyal and hardworking team that has pulled together to create successful partnerships with customers in a variety of business segments.

“Becoming an integrated part of Cummins was a huge step for us in the Czech Republic and showed a level of confidence in the country that I believe we have justified over 20 years,” said Lukas Skoda.

“Now, with so many new technologies available to us, so many strong relationships and such a strong vision of where we want to be as a business, we are ready and excited about the next chapter.”