Cummins-Wärtsilä Engine Co. was an Anglo-French joint venture which existed between 1995 and 2000. Jointly owned by Cummins and Wärtsilä NSD, it was a manufacturer of operated diesel engines.[1]
Background
In the 1990s, Cummins was the world's biggest high-speed diesel-engine producer in the category of 200 horsepower and over. Meanwhile, Wärtsilä NSD, then Wärtsilä Diesel, was focussed on medium-speed engines. Cummins wanted to extend its selection in the upper range and Wärtsilä Diesel in its lower range.[1]
Establishment
Cummins and Wärtsilä Diesel agreed about setting up a joint venture to produce engines which would cover the gap in the engine ranges between both companies. The companies signed a letter of intent for the foundation of Cummins-Wärtsilä in December 1994. The ownership was shared 50% / 50% between Cummins and Wärtsilä Diesel. Both Cummins president Tim Solso as well as Wärtsilä Diesel chief Pentti-Juhani Hintikka had high expectations about the co-operation.