A 30-year career built on dedication and teamwork

Patricia W. is a member of the Predictive Maintenance Department at the Cummins Inc. Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP). With over 30 years of dedication, expertise and passion, Patricia has been instrumental in driving the success of our teams and customers. Her journey is a testament to the company’s strong foundation of teamwork, opportunities and continuous improvement.

Growing up in Falconer, NY, Patricia's curiosity and love for hands-on work were evident from a young age. Whether she was riding bikes, playing sports or dismantling and reassembling gadgets (often with a few extra parts left over), her inquisitive nature set the stage for a future at Cummins.

Starting as a temporary hire, Patricia quickly earned a full-time role on the M11 Cylinder Head manufacturing line. What attracted her to Cummins was more than just the compensation and benefits—it was the promise of opportunity. “Cummins was one of those places in the Jamestown area where you could start young and build a long-term career. It was exciting to be part of something that would play such a key role in powering trucks across the country,” she says.

In 2008, Patricia's career took a significant turn when she joined the Predictive Maintenance team. This role allowed her to leverage advanced technology to monitor and maintain the plant’s equipment. As a Level 1 Certified Thermographer and Vibration Analyst, Patricia ensures that JEP's machinery operates efficiently and safely. Her work, from performing infrared scans of electrical systems to analyzing vibrations and oil samples, provides critical insights that prevent costly downtimes and ensure the production of high-quality engine components.

“I love the problem-solving aspect of my job. Each day is different and there are always unique challenges to tackle,” Patricia says. Some of her favorite projects include identifying heat sources in cold engine test cells, locating air leaks affecting test setups and even assisting local volunteer fire departments with compressed air leak issues. “It’s rewarding to know that the work we do not only impacts the plant but also the community,” she adds.

Patricia's role also contributes to Cummins' broader sustainability goals, particularly in energy efficiency. Her efforts support the ISO 50001 energy management initiatives, helping the plant identify energy waste, reduce unnecessary power consumption and increase overall efficiency. “By addressing small issues, we prevent bigger problems down the road. Whether it’s improving the transfer of power to equipment or reducing oil leaks, every little change has a lasting impact,” she explains.

One of the aspects Patricia values most about her job is the strong sense of teamwork in her department. “We rely on each other to get the job done, and that sense of ownership and accountability makes work enjoyable,” she says. The collaborative atmosphere at Cummins has been a significant factor in her success. “When everyone takes pride in what they do, it makes the job feel less like work and more like something we all contribute to together.”

Patricia is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of employees. "I enjoy teaching others about predictive maintenance and helping them become owners of the process," she explains. For Patricia, her job is not just about keeping equipment running—it’s about passing on her knowledge to those who will continue to make Cummins a leader in the industry.

With 31 years at Cummins, Patricia’s advice for anyone considering a career here is simple: “Do your best for you and the team. Stay focused, be honest, have a little fun along the way and be accountable for your actions.” Reflecting on her journey, she admits she never imagined being at Cummins for so long, but she’s grateful for the opportunities and growth she’s experienced. “I’m having fun at what I do, and I’m excited to keep teaching others how to take ownership of our predictive maintenance programs.” Her commitment to her work, her team and the wider community exemplifies the leadership and passion that make Cummins a great place to work and grow.