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Cummins celebrates major manufacturing milestone at Daventry

The Cummins Power Systems facility in Daventry, England has achieved a major milestone with the production of its 10,000th generator set.

The genset – a high-performance QSK95-series model – is headed to a European data centre run by one of the world’s top hyperscale operators, where it will deliver mission-critical standby power to support the AI-driven digital economy.

Driven by the surging demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence, Cummins anticipates continued strong interest in its generator sets as data centres expand across the globe.

To celebrate the genset production landmark, the Daventry team gathered at the end of the production line and signed a commemorative banner. 

For Plant Manager Roy Free, the moment was especially meaningful. “I was born and raised in Daventry, and I started here as a 16-year-old on the Youth Training Scheme,” he said. 

“This milestone reflects the deep connection between Cummins and the town, built over more than five decades.”

What started out as a local success story has evolved into a cornerstone site for Cummins with global impact: powering data centres, mining operations, and industrial facilities across several continents.

With more than 1,000 employees and a footprint of 260,000 sqft (24,000 sqm), Daventry produces high-horsepower engines ranging from 30lt – 78lt & 750kW to 3000kW and generator sets for global markets. 

Key to Daventry’s importance within the Cummins global manufacturing network is its ability to build complete power generation systems. 

These gensets combine Cummins engines, alternators, and custom control panels into seamless, integrated solutions. Since 2017, the plant has been assembling these systems – a capability that is now central to Cummins’ growth strategy.

Investments are being made to expand and modernize the Daventry facility. The improvements include upgrades to engine block machining and assembly lines featuring advanced computer-controlled machinery. This key enhancement will enable Daventry to build the 95-litre QSK95 Cummins diesel engine alongside the QSK78, which has been produced at the plant since 2003.

The upgrades are also designed with sustainability in mind, improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing waste, and positioning Daventry to support next-generation low-emission technologies.

The new block line building is expected to open in early 2027, and upgrades to the assembly line could more than double weekly engine production by 2028. 

“We’re planning for up to 65 units a week, split between QSK78s and QSK95s,” said Roy. “That flexibility is vital as we continue to grow in the data centre market – a sector where we see strong, sustained demand well into the next decade.”

The QSK95 is a standout performer. Rated at up to 3.5 MW (60 Hz) and 3.75 MVA (50 Hz), it delivers exceptional power density, offering more output in a smaller footprint compared to larger competitors. This efficiency helps reduce installation costs and allows facilities to meet power needs with fewer units.

One of the engine’s most critical features is its ability to handle a 100% load step – instantly delivering full power in emergency situations. For data centres and other essential infrastructure, that kind of reliability is non-negotiable.

Daventry currently produces around 1,100 gensets a year, and Roy expects this to increase significantly over the coming years.

With its growing capabilities, the plant is not just meeting global power demand but helping shape the reliable, sustainable energy infrastructure of the future.

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