GMI Construction Group has marked a significant milestone in the construction of Cummins’ new 282,000 sq. ft warehouse and distribution facility in Darlington with a steel signing ceremony.
Representatives from Cummins, GMI and the wider delivery team gathered at the Ingenium Parc site as the first structural steel rises from the ground, signalling the latest stage in the expansion of Cummins’ long-established Darlington campus.
Steel erection began in September 2026, just months after GMI broke ground in June on the 5.38-hectare (13.3-acre) site off Salters Lane.
The new facility is designed and constructed in line with FM Global requirements, and will connect directly with Cummins’ existing manufacturing and office operations, enabling the global power solutions business to bring more of its logistics capability onto its Darlington campus.
The development will feature automated storage, ancillary office space and a substantial service yard incorporating HGV circulation areas, dock levellers and dedicated lorry parking.
Designed to complement the existing Cummins campus, the building will feature multi-facing brickwork, aluminium curtain wall glazing and composite cladding. The building has been designed to provide long-term operational flexibility whoile integrating with the existing Cummins site.
More than 230 staff parking spaces will be provided alongside cycle storage, while landscaping will include new planting, seating and biodiversity improvements.
Cummins has operated in the town since 1965 and employs around 1,700 people locally across engine manufacturing and assembly, testing, technical and business operations.
The project represents the first phase of development at Ingenium Parc, a strategic employment site being brought forward by Darlington Borough Council.
Steve Walton, Cummins’ Regional Facilities Director, said: “This development is an important investment in our Darlington operations and will allow us to bring more of our logistics activity onto the campus.
“Having that capability alongside our existing manufacturing, testing and other operations is expected to improve efficiency and strengthen coordination across the campus.
“Cummins has been part of Darlington for more than 60 years, and it’s exciting to see this latest investment now taking shape.”
An independent principal contractor covering the North of England and Midlands, GMI continues to expand its industrial and logistics footprint. Recent milestone projects include 640,000 sq. ft of warehouse space at Durham’s £400m Integra 61, the £32.9m Urban 8 logistics park in Birmingham, and the 362,600 sq. ft first phase of Hillthorn Business Park, Washington.
Dominic Dickinson, the Regional Director for GMI, whose North East office is based in Stockton-on-Tees, said: “Erecting the steel frame is a major milestone for this project and is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work since we broke ground in June.
“Flagship schemes like this demand seamless collaboration between our client, the design team, and our supply chain. The steel signing is the perfect moment to celebrate the collective hard work that has driven us to this point.
“Over the next few months, the building will rapidly take shape as we transition from the structural phase into the core fit-out.”
