Cummins New Venture Targets Central America

Feb. 24, 2012
Partnership will distribute and service engines, generators, and parts

Engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. is bidding to expand its presence in Central America through a joint venture with Grupo Laeisz, a longtime distributor of Cummins engines in Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.

“The goal is that our customers enjoy the benefits of our products and services, custom designed to the market's needs, and contributing to the development of the Central American region,” stated Bernardo Hirsch president of Grupo Laeisz.

The new venture, a partnership called Cummins Centroamérica, will distribute and service Cummins engines, generators, and parts in those countries. It will cover Cummins brand products as well as products from Ingersoll Rand Air Solutions Group, which the manufacturer said are complementary and non-competitive to its product lines.

Laeisz will continue selling other brands that are non-competitive with Cummins or the joint venture under their existing business, though all facilities will bear the Cummins brand.

Pamela Carter, president of Cummins Distribution, said the new joint venture “creates the foundation for both partners to significantly expand in the equipment market in Central America, where strong, steady growth is projected.”