GMI Construction Group has broken ground on a landmark industrial development for global power solutions leader Cummins at Ingenium Parc, Salters Lane, Darlington – signalling a major investment in the region’s industrial future.
Key stakeholders and project partners gathered on site for an official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the new 282,000 sq. ft warehouse and distribution facility.
The high-profile development will enhance operations by expanding Cummins’ campus to the south, linking directly with its existing manufacturing and office facilities.
Cummins, which has operated in Darlington since 1965, employs around 1,700 people locally and supports engine manufacturing and assembly, testing, technical and business operations. The new facility will enable the business to bring more of its logistics capability on-site, improving operational efficiency and supporting future growth.
The scheme represents the first phase of development at Ingenium Parc, a key employment site being brought forward by Darlington Borough Council, supporting Cummins’ continued expansion in the North East and reinforcing the town’s reputation as a centre for advanced engineering and manufacturing excellence.
Located on a 5.38-hectare (13.3-acre) site off Salters Lane, the development will feature internal automated storage, ancillary office space and a substantial service yard, including HGV circulation areas, dock levellers and dedicated lorry parking. Two staff car parks will provide more than 230 spaces, alongside cycle storage to encourage sustainable travel.
The development will be accessed via Salters Lane, connecting to Yarm Road and the nearby A66, with supporting infrastructure including a new internal access road and gatehouse.
Designed to complement the existing Cummins campus, it will incorporate modern, durable materials such as multi-facing brickwork, aluminium curtain wall glazing and composite cladding. Landscaping plans include a dedicated enhancement zone with planting, seating and biodiversity improvements to help integrate the scheme into the surrounding environment.
The facility has also been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to operate either as an extension of the existing Cummins site or as a standalone unit 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.”
