GMI Construction Group has broken ground on a major new warehouse and distribution facility for global power solutions leader Cummins in Darlington, marking a significant investment in the region's manufacturing and logistics infrastructure.

Key stakeholders and project partners gathered at Ingenium Parc on Salters Lane for an official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the new 282,000 sq ft facility.

The development will expand Cummins' existing Darlington campus to the south, creating a direct link with its current manufacturing and office operations while bringing more of the company's logistics capability onto a single site.

Cummins has operated in Darlington since 1965 and employs around 1,700 people locally across engine manufacturing and assembly, testing, technical and business operations. The new facility is expected to improve operational efficiency while supporting future growth plans.

The scheme represents the first phase of development at Ingenium Parc, a strategic employment site being delivered by Darlington Borough Council. The project is intended to support Cummins' continued expansion in the North East while reinforcing Darlington's position as a hub for advanced engineering and manufacturing.

Located on a 5.38-hectare (13.3-acre) site, the development will include internal automated storage systems, ancillary office accommodation and a large service yard featuring HGV circulation areas, dock levellers and dedicated lorry parking. More than 230 car parking spaces will be provided across two staff car parks, alongside cycle storage facilities to encourage sustainable travel.

Access will be via Salters Lane, with connections to Yarm Road and the nearby A66. Supporting infrastructure includes a new internal access road and gatehouse.

Designed to complement the existing Cummins campus, the facility will feature multi-facing brickwork, aluminium curtain wall glazing and composite cladding. Landscaping proposals include a dedicated enhancement area incorporating planting, seating and biodiversity measures to help integrate the development into its surroundings.

The building has also been designed with future flexibility in mind, allowing it to operate either as an extension of the existing Cummins site or as a standalone facility if required.

Dominic Dickinson, Regional Director for the North East at GMI Construction Group, said:

“Today marks an important milestone for everybody involved in the project.

“It’s a significant industrial development drawing on GMI’s extensive experience in delivering complex logistics and manufacturing schemes across the North East, and we look forward to working closely with Cummins and the wider project team as construction progresses.

“We are proud to be delivering a high-quality facility that will support Cummins’ future growth in Darlington, while further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.”

Steve Morley, Cummins’ Plant Manager, said:

“Breaking ground on this new facility marks an exciting next chapter for our Darlington campus and our long-term investment in the region.

“By bringing more of our logistics operations onto site, we can further improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration across the campus and support the future growth of our operations.

“Darlington has been central to Cummins’ UK presence for 60 years and this investment reflects our continued commitment to the area, our employees and the wider supply chain. We are pleased to officially begin this project alongside GMI Construction Group and our development partners.”