Cummins Employee Review

Former Employee – worked at Cummins

Pros – Cummins has maintained profitability, or at least near-profitability, when many other automotive suppliers are failing. They have driven at least one competitor out of business. Although their engineering tools and processes are largely insular and proprietary, they have a large amount of knowledge and are highly scientific in their product development. They claim to embrace diversity and not tolerate discrimination of any kind, and in the heavy truck industry, offered domestic partner benefits while risking their reputation. Of course, the world did not end.

Cons – Cummins is able to get around its own diversity policies through use of contract employees who work for employers without full protection in place. It may not be common, but in my short tenure, there were several cases of managers starting their own businesses on company time with company resources. Those businesses then received preference during the bidding process (if there even was one). They use the Rating and Ranking System developed by Jack Welch of GE, which GE had abandoned years ago. The poorest performers are fired every few years. While this sounds somewhat reasonable, the system is weakened by the political process where managers' favorites are saved at the expense of sometimes talented individuals. This also creates considerable fear within the workforce, as well as a lack of cooperation and collaboration between employees. There are many people right out of college, but most of the 30- and 40- somethings are either gone, in stagnant protected positions, or are management. All in all, this company creates great financial results, but it would seem at the expense of its people.

Advice to Senior Management – It is time for a close look at the way people are treated at this company. Even though fair treatment can be detrimental to the bottom line in the short run, long-term, you will create loyalty and pride within the workforce. This is something I have seen at many other companies that was absent at Cummins. Looking at the rampant conflicts of interest within the company is also necessary. Lastly, a diversity policy is meaningless if it can be skirted by simply hiring a contract employee whose employer lacks any of the policies of the client company.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend