Holset and Cummins Turbo Technologies celebrate 70 years of innovation

Cummins Turbo Technologies (CTT) and the Holset brand celebrate their 70th anniversary this year, a significant milestone illustrating their collaborative and innovative approach. Incorporated in 1952 as Holset Engineering Co Ltd, it was acquired by Cummins Inc. in 1973, and rebranded as Cummins Turbo Technologies in 2006.

The original company, founded by business partners Brian Holmes and Paul Croset, commenced its journey in a small wooden shed in Huddersfield, U.K. and has grown into a global technological leader with operations across the world. CTT’s technical centers in the U.K., China, the U.S., and India develop air handling technologies for global customers operating across diverse markets including on-highway, commercial vehicle, industrial, construction, agriculture, marine and power generation.

The past 70 years have been transformational for CTT. From a small business, to one with a worldwide presence offering innovative air handling solutions, Holset and CTT have continued to succeed thanks to the collective efforts of all its employees, past and present. 

In addition to celebrating this milestone anniversary, Cummins has recently acquired Jacobs Vehicle Systems (JVS), a supplier of engine braking, cylinder deactivation, start and stop, and thermal management technologies. Bringing JVS to the CTT family will provide growth opportunities for current and future advanced engine platforms, while securing critical engine components for Cummins’ global customer base.

Shon Wright, Vice President of Cummins Turbo Technologies, said, “Firstly I want to thank and congratulate all our employees, past and present – innovating for 70 years is a huge achievement and we’re very proud of all of our past accomplishments, from making our first sale over 70 years ago, to working on fuel agnostic engines. We’re also excited to welcome JVS’ engineering expertise, best in class products, and employees into our organization. We’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in the coming years – whatever it is, we’ll be ready for it!”

As Holset and CTT embark on their 70th year, Cummins is proud that the values the business was built on, and that allowed it to thrive, are still practiced today:

•    Collaboration. Collaborating closely with customers has always been a cornerstone of the business. Cummins Turbo Technologies partners with OEMs worldwide to develop optimum solutions for a wide range of vehicles and applications that meet the most demanding performance expectations and stringent emissions standards. Through these longstanding OEM relationships, CTT has developed detailed knowledge of engines and their interaction with the turbocharger. This invaluable commercial experience combines world-class design and manufacture of Holset Turbochargers, renowned for their durability, high standard of safety, and reliable performance that customers engine demands.

Today, the business is working on accelerating hydrogen-fuel technology that supports Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy to offer the widest range of power options to help customers transition to cleaner solutions seamlessly and successfully. 

•    Support. Cummins’ global network of technical, sales, manufacturing and aftermarket support ensures that Holset and CTT continue to demonstrate equal commitment to customers, colleagues, and the communities in which Cummins operate. 

Local ties remain strong too: the first Huddersfield manufacturing bay was completed in 1953 and the company remains a key employer in the town today with 1,024 employees working at the site on St Andrew’s Road.

•    Innovation. Innovation is what motivates the CTT team, and the whole of Cummins. In the last 70 years, CTT has introduced a range of industry-leading air handling technologies under the Holset brand, including fixed, wastegate, variable geometryTM, two-stage, and exhaust throttle technology.

With the demands on diesel engines being more complex than ever, CTT is working in close partnership with their customers to develop and deliver additional tailored solutions for diesel as well as alternative fuels, including natural gas and hydrogen to exceed customers’ expectations for performance, efficiency and reliability. In addition, CTT is leading on a collaborative project, funded by the U.K. Government, that seeks to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality by accelerating the development of air handling technologies for hybrid and fuel cell powertrains and building a U.K. supply chain for the next generation of heavy-duty turbochargers. 

In its 70th year, CTT is focused on meeting low NOx and CO2 reductions across diesel applications and is advancing the development of air handling technologies, including compressors and turbines, and improvements in architecture, design, and materials to increase fuel efficiency improvements and offer more power, along with e-machine and developments applicable to hybrid and fuel cell powertrains.