Cummins In New Middle East Joint Venture

Cummins Inc. and The Olayan Group announced the formation of Cummins Arabia, a 50:50, three-country distribution joint venture company in the Middle East.

This joint venture consolidates the distribution of Cummins products in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Those products are currently distributed by Cummins’ wholly-owned UAE distributor and Olayan-owned independent distributors – General Contracting Company (GCC) in Saudi Arabia and General Transportation and Equipment (GTE) in Kuwait.

Founded in 1947, Riyadh-based Olayan incorporates more than 40 companies engaged in manufacturing, product distribution and services, including a number that are focused on oil & gas production and processing, power generation and construction. Along with Cummins, its list of “alliance partners” includes companies such as Atlas Copco, Paccar, Scania and Case New Holland.

Cummins said that the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait represent some of the largest markets in the Middle East and the partnership will allow Cummins to greatly expand access to the Saudi and Kuwaiti markets and operate closer to its customer base. At the same time, it will provide a valuable platform for the training and employment of nationals in each country.

“Cummins is pleased to partner with Olayan, which is a highly respected leader in the global distribution business, ” said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and CEO, Cummins Inc. “Olayan brings years of Middle East experience, and this partnership provides opportunities for our companies to grow and expand in this region while enhancing the service and support we provide to customers. Cummins will continue to look for new ways to build global partnerships that drive growth and success for our company, our partners, and our customers.”

Lubna Olayan, CEO of Olayan Financing Co., said that the joint venture is “a natural evolution of the close working relationship that has existed between us and Cummins for more than 60 years.

“We began distributing Cummins products in Saudi Arabia in 1956 and have always viewed ourselves as operating in a real spirit of partnership. This new company will further enhance our product offerings and services in the region and is truly a win-win proposition – for Cummins, for us, and for our customers.”

The joint venture entity will be formed and the new operating structure implemented in the second half of 2016. It will be headquartered in Saudi Arabia. Plans are underway to build dedicated facilities there.