Cummins To Recall About 270 Workers

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) — Diesel-engine maker Cummins Inc. said Wednesday that it wants to recall about 270 laid off or transferred production workers to meet an increase in orders for Dodge Ram turbo diesel pickup truck engines.

Chrysler Group LLC is attempting to build inventory for its 2010 model heavy duty Dodge Ram pickup, which is powered by Cummins' 6.7-liter turbo diesel engine.

As a result of the increased orders, Cummins plans to temporarily add a second shift at its MidRange Engine Plant in Columbus, Ind. and plans to operate it through the end of 2009.

After the recall, Cummins will employ about 600 hourly workers at the plant.

The company has began notifying employees and plans to begin the additional shift on Oct. 19. Cummins began production of the 2010 Dodge Ram engines in mid-September with about 340 production workers on a single shift.

Cummins shares rose 17 cents to $45.04 in morning trading.