For more than 100 years, Cummins has been delivering the power technologies that keep the world moving by serving key sectors of the economy – from road and sea transportation to energy, mining, and rail.
The modernization of Polish rolling stock is one of the key areas in which Cummins plays a crucial role. In the face of growing investments in railway infrastructure – estimated to reach PLN 250 billion by 2030 – internal combustion engines remain the basis of propulsion on many non-electrified routes which account for one-third of the Polish network. Cummins supplies power units that meet Stage V emission standards, such as the QSK60 for heavy-duty applications, including hybrid locomotives, and the X15 for DMUs or “last mile” modules which provide reliability and efficiency in demanding operating conditions.
Cummins has been operating in Poland for over 30 years, and over the past two decades the company has undergone an impressive transformation, expanding its operations to 125 people in 4 key locations: Lubin, Gdańsk, Łomianki near Warsaw, as well as at the state of the art European Master Rebuild Center (MRC) in Modlniczka near Krakow – the only facility o the kind in Europe. The company’s growth is a response to rapidly changing demand in key sectors including rail, transport, mining, energy, and maritime transport, as well as increasing requirements for engine emissions and efficiency standards, including meeting Stage V standards and the development of hybrid and hydrogen technologies.
In Poland the company offers a full spectrum of services, including first fit connectivity, i.e. factory-installed telematics systems, power generators, mobile servicing, spare parts, and, above all, comprehensive engine overhauls at the MRC Center near Krakow. The company is also consistently expanding its service and dealership network, investing in specialized workshops and new parts warehouses in Krakow and Lubin, providing quick access to services and components throughout the country.
The European Master Rebuild Centre in Krakow – a strategic investment
In 2023, Cummins opened its European Master Rebuild Centre in Modlniczka near Krakow. The 4,600 sqm facility was built thanks to an investment of US$ 10m and has been equipped with state-of-the-art technologies designed to serve customers from Poland and across the continent. The location in the heart of Europe, close to the airport and main roads, provides quick access to many European markets, while cooperation with Krakow technical universities enables the capture of the best engineering talent. The current MRC team stands at almost 30 people and is constantly growing.
The centre features the latest technical solutions, including engine dismantling and assembly stations, as well as various types of cranes offering lifting capacity up to 15 tons. The facility’s infrastructure also includes water reuse systems, a microbiological washroom, and a Dip Tank installation for parts cleaning.
Photo credit: Cummins
The centre specializes in the remanufacturing of high horsepower engines (HHP) with capacities between 19 and 78 litres, and horsepower ranging from 450 to 3500, including the QSK19, QSK38 or QSK60. The remanufacturing process includes full disassembly, cleaning, inspection, replacement of key components, as well as assembly followed by a rigorous testing process in the Dyno Room. The remanufacturing allows for the recovery of up to 70% of components, and the delivery time of the rebuilt engine is reduced to approx. 35 working days, providing users with full reliability, confirmed by the full manufacturer’s warranty. All of this allows carriers to reduce downtime and maintain operational continuity, while ensuring the safety and reliability of rail transport.
The MRC in Krakow occupies a unique position in the Cummins network – not only does it serve Polish operators, but also customers from all over Europe representing many key industries for the economy. Contracts from Polish and international customers help increase the remanufacturing volumes which allows for further infrastructure investments, purchases of state-of-the-art testing stations, and digital technologies, such as predictive diagnostics.
Working with partners requires the implementation of the highest standards of quality and innovation which translates into increasing employment and improving the competences of the team, while building the position of the MRC as a European competence hub in the field of high horsepower engines.
Read more: Cummins opened a high horsepower engine rebuild center in Krakow, Poland
Innovative technologies benefit European customers
In the years to come Cummins is planning to expand its offering, including for the rail sector, specifically with new power units such as the QSK95. This powerful engine offering up to 4400 meets Stage V standards and features the PrevenTech system for predictive maintenance and service planning.
In addition, the company will continuously focus on optimizing existing combustion solutions and develop fuel-agnostic solutions, such as HELM, which allow operators to choose the type of fuel, including diesel, natural gas, and even hydrogen, while maintaining a uniform engine design. This approach provides flexibility and the ability to adapt the unit to local conditions and environmental goals.
Cummins is also developing digital diagnostic tools, such as predictive maintenance, to allow rail operators to optimize service schedules and increase rolling stock availability.
Photo credit: Cummins
Poland: a strategic hub for Cummins innovations in Europe
Three decades of intensive development of Cummins in Poland, crowned with the opening of the Master Rebuild Centre in Modlniczka near Krakow, serve to confirm that Poland has become a strategic point on Cummins’ map of European investments. State-of-the-art technologies, developing the range of competences, coupled with a sustainable approach to manufacturing and servicing make the company’s activities a key link in the implementation of global strategies. In the coming years, Cummins will continue to invest in innovation and development of its staff, strengthening its leadership in the engines and technologies of the future.
