Zero emissions future in mind as the ‘Jake Brake’ moves under the umbrella of US engine manufacturer
Cummins Inc has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Jacobs Vehicle Systems (JVS), a subsidiary of Altra Industrial Motion Corp and a supplier of engine braking, cylinder deactivation, start and stop and thermal management technologies.
The agreement brings the addition of new technologies to provide growth opportunities for Cummins’ current and future advanced diesel engine platforms. The acquisition of JVS also secures critical USMCA qualified engine components for current and aftermarket products and expands on Cummins Turbo Technologies’ success with customers globally.
“JVS brings engineering expertise, best in class products and key manufacturing capabilities to Cummins that will allow us to continue developing component technologies that deliver market leading performance and emissions,” says Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins’ president and chief operating officer.
“We expect that this transaction will provide both attractive financial returns and future growth opportunities for our company.”
Cummins says it plans to maintain JVS’ customer relationships and offer improved value and other benefits to the customers of both companies.
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Operations from the acquisition will report into Cummins Turbo Technologies, a business unit led by Shon Wright, vice president of Cummins Turbo Technologies, that resides within the company’s components segment.
“We’re excited about the prospect of welcoming employees from JVS into the Cummins organisation and look forward to adding their deep engineering talent to complement our expertise as we work together to develop innovative and cost-effective products now, and in the future,” Wright says.
According to Cummins, the acquisition also represents another step forward in its continued investment in key technologies to advance its path to zero emissions strategy that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower the air quality impacts of their products.
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Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins’ president and chief operating officer
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Engine braking and cylinder deactivation technologies will be key components to meeting current and future emissions regulations, and this acquisition would allow Cummins to better integrate valuable components with its emissions-leading medium- and heavy-duty engines.
Founded in 1961, JVS has roughly 600 employees and more than 60 years of experience in engine retarding and valve actuation systems for the commercial vehicle industry. Since then, more than nine million engine brakes have been produced by JVS for commercial vehicles throughout the world.
There is also historical linkage between JVS engine brakes and Cummins. In 1961, JVS introduced the first engine brake, commonly referred to as the ‘Jake Brake’ for commercial vehicles, which was invented by Clessie Cummins, the founder of Cummins Inc.
“We believe this acquisition is a terrific move to continue the rich tradition of JVS innovation,” says Carl Christenson, chairman and CEO of Altra.
“The sale of JVS to Cummins will provide new opportunities to innovate and evolve industries that both companies have been part of for more than 60 years.”
JVS has two primary manufacturing facilities in Bloomfield, CT (USA) and Suzhou, China, and Cummins expects to invest additional capacity and resources into their operations. JVS’ manufacturing footprint will also help Cummins meet USMCA requirements and further invest in the US.
This acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, and is expected to close during this calendar year.