DETROIT – Chrysler Group LLC recognized Cummins Inc. as the 2012 Sustainability Supplier of the Year during the company's 2012 Annual Strategy Meeting and Supplier Awards Ceremony on June 6 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.

Of the 12 awards given to top suppliers, Supplier of the Year was awarded to Cummins in the category of Sustainability. Nominations were based on the following criteria:
• Significance to environmental, social and economic sustainability.
• Impact of the contribution.
• Innovation and originality.
• Transferability across or within supply chain.

“Being selected as the Sustainability Supplier of the Year is a significant honor and great recognition for all the hard work we have done at Cummins to ensure sustainability,” said Ric Kleine, Vice President – MidRange On-Highway Business. “At Cummins, we believe that sustainability drives business success.”

Cummins Inc. has enjoyed strong growth, according to the company, which continued in 2011 with record revenue of $18 billion. Cummins sustainability commitment includes initiatives to build stronger communities, reduce its environmental footprint and fund the research and development necessary to ensure future success.

Even the plant that has supplied Cummins Turbo Diesel engines to Ram for over 20 years was originally built as a “green” facility. The Columbus Midrange Engine Plant (CMEP) was built in 1971, and its innovative design placed operations mostly below ground with parking on the roof. This low unobtrusive profile has led to greater energy efficiency.

“Keeping operational costs low is vital,” said Wayne Ripberger, General Manager – Pickup and Light Commercial Vehicle Engine Operations. “Utilizing the plant’s design, we are able to capitalize on its environmental benefits, and that has helped contribute to our success over the past 20 years.”

The company said that Cummins is committed to reducing the company’s environmental footprint as part of its corporate responsibility value to serve and improve the communities in which it operates. Building stronger communities will ultimately result in stronger markets for its products.

“We selected Cummins for the breadth and depth of its sustainability program, which covers all three areas of the ‘triple bottom line’: people, planet and profit," said Greg Rose, Chrysler Group LLC Director of Sustainability, Environment, Health and Safety. “In addition to reducing its environmental footprint, Cummins is highly adept at involving its employees in public-service environmental projects. Its management and employees should be very proud of their accomplishments.”