On Cummins Brazil's 50th anniversary, many words can define its trajectory: technology, social commitment, sustainability, excellence. One of my favorites is transformation. Over the past five decades, Cummins Brazil has transformed our customers' businesses, our community and the lives of thousands of people – and we’ve done it in a way that is true to our values. We are proud of what we have built and of our legacy. And we look forward with optimism to continue the transformations for the next 50 years and more. 

This story began in the 1970s, when the company’s global expansion plans led to a decision to invest in an engine plant in Guarulhos, São Paulo. The next five decades were characterized by expansion and new customers. Today, Cummins manufactures in Brazil not only engines, but also turbos, filters, after-treatment systems, generators, in addition to having a consolidated distribution network.
 
Over the past 50 years, Cummins has acquired in-depth knowledge of the Brazilian market. This condition is fundamental to explain the company's success in the country over the last five decades, and it is also vital for the coming decades.
 
I'm an engineer, so it's only natural to reinforce the regional importance of Cummins Brazil using numbers:

• One in three buses sold in the country have a Cummins engine
• Two out of three medium trucks sold in Brazil have a Cummins engine
• We have a 32% market share in the agriculture market
• We are one of the biggest players in the local generator market
• We export our production to over 40 countries
• We have 2,500 dedicated and proud employees

Our results were driven by a leadership team and employees committed to high-quality products and services that exceeded our customers’ expectations. In good times and in challenging times, the Cummins Brazil team delivered on our brand promise of innovation and dependability.
 
We also know that how we drive results matters. The Cummins Brazil team consistently embodies our values and is dedicated to creating an environment where we can reach our fullest potential. How we did it in the last 50 years is just as important as our achievements.
 
I am proud to have spent my entire career at Cummins, and to have been shaped and changed by so many incredible people along the way. I am also proud to follow the footsteps of those who transformed Cummins, positioning us to be a leader, not just in our industry, but in our communities, in our sustainability efforts, and in building a culture that is the best in the world. 
 
Thank you to each of you who played a role in the history of Cummins Brazil.

Adriano Rishi
Leader of Cummins Brazil & ABO LATAM Engineering

December 3, 2021 marks the 29th annual observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD 2021). This special day of celebration was officially recognized by the United Nations (U.N.) in 1992 to promote a better understanding of people with disabilities and to support the overall dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This day also aims to increase awareness of the advantages of integrating persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.  

This year’s theme is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world;” a theme reflected in our Disability Inclusion strategy, and through the commitment of our leaders and employees at Cummins.  

Around the world, our Disability Inclusion Employee Resources Groups (ERGs) are celebrating as a way to get involved, create awareness and learn more about disability inclusion. Examples of this include: 

• Africa Middle East DistinctAble ERG is hosting a panel discussion related to persons with disabilities
• Asia Pacific ERG is conducting a Zoom Disability Employment Awareness session on IDPWD 
• China ERG is hosting a Zoom discussion featuring guest speakers, employees and leaders
• Europe ERG is sharing stories from colleagues and promote resources to help remove barriers and share experiences
• India WINGS ERG is hosting a panel discussion on IDPWD
• Latin America THISAbility ERG is hosting a series of conferences related to IDPWD

Recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an excellent way to help create awareness and promote understanding. In addition to making diversity, equity & inclusion a priority within Cummins, we’ve also been recognized externally for our efforts including the Disability Equality Index^® Top Scorer 2021 and Seramount’s 2021 Inclusion Index.

In July, the Disability Equality Index recognized Cummins as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. The Disability Equality Index awarded Cummins with this Top Scorer recognition due to executive sponsor engagement, improved accessibility of digital technology and facilities, and the strength of our employee resource group network, among other factors. 

Cummins was named to the Seramount Inclusion Index in August. To earn this title, Cummins was assessed in the following key areas: best practices in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of people from historically underrepresented groups—women, racial/ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people; inclusive corporate culture, including leadership accountability; and demographic diversity for women and racial/ethnic minorities.

At Cummins, we believe that by making room for everyone to succeed and by responding with empathy, we win with the power of difference. Our company is at its best when we serve within a society where everyone is included and treated with respect. 

November 11 holds significant meaning to many around the globe. It is a global day of remembrance and recognition of the many sacrifices that have been made in the name of freedom and liberty. In the United States, this day is referred to as Veterans Day, and citizens recognize all veterans who have served and/or continue to serve as well as those that paid the ultimate price. On Remembrance Day, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Australia recognize veterans by pausing for a moment of silence on the eleventh hour on November 11. 

As a veteran, I am grateful for the opportunity to commemorate this day with each of you. Thank you for your commitment. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” 

During my ten years in the military and as a West Point cadet, I lived my leadership purpose of inspiring teams and individuals to be all they can be while delivering some “wows” along the way. At Cummins, we strive to deliver wows in all we do – making and servicing an excellent product, improving communities and proving our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We create environments and communities where everyone, including our vets, feel they belong. As such, we are committed to hiring and promoting veteran talent and have implemented the DoD SkillBridge program. 

Through the DoD SkillBridge program, active-duty military will be allowed to spend the last 3-6 months of service working at Cummins gaining valuable industry work experience and skills. We are also excited to share today that Cummins has earned recognition as a 2022 Military Friendly® Employer (Bronze level), as well as Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity and Brand designations for our efforts in creating sustainable and meaningful career paths, community outreach, brand enthusiasm, and enduring partnerships. We are committed to continued progress.

Below are a ways we can all remember and honor our veterans on November 11th. 

• Wear a poppy
• Observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. (local time in Canada, UK, France and Australia)
• Volunteer with a local veteran organization
• Support veteran-owned businesses
• Attend a Veterans Day event in your area
• Just say "Thank you for your service" to those who have served

Earl Newsome

Executive Sponsor, Cummins Veterans Employee Resource Group