Auto industry heavyweight Cummins recently announced that they will be adding about 500 professional employees in their Indiana plant. The Auto Channel reported that most of them will be engineers. The workforce increase is expected to take place in the next two years.

Joe Loughrey, president and chief operating officer of Cummins said: "We are pleased to be able to further strengthen our commitment to Columbus and the state of Indiana by bringing new, well-paying jobs to the region. As a large and growing employer in the city, we have a significant stake in helping Columbus remain a vibrant community. This project, along with the other initiatives outlined as part of the city’s Vision 2020 plan, is a big step in that direction."

Governor Mitch Daniels who was present when the announcement was made had this to say: "Last year 600 new production jobs, this year 500 new professional jobs. We’re proud of Cummins and the growth the company is bringing to south central Indiana."

Columbus Mayor Fred Armstrong added: "Today's exciting announcement is another example of the revitalization of downtown Columbus and the success of our Vision 2020 plan. Cummins continues to be a major driver of our success as a community, and we are thrilled with the Company’s latest commitment to the city."

Lawrenceburg Mayor William Cunningham also said: "The City of Lawrenceburg and our Regional Economic Development Grant Committee is pleased to be able to assist our regional neighbors in expanding the commercial and industrial environment here in Columbus. It is our hope that with investments such as ours, Indiana will maintain, and improve, its reputation as a Midwestern economic powerhouse."

With that much support from the local government, one can expect that Cummins will continue its operation on the area for a long time.