Cummins Inc. formed a joint venture with Saudi Arabia conglomerate The Olayan Group to help the engine and generator maker expand its markets in the Middle East and operate closer to its customers there. The partnership creates Cummins Arabia, a three-country distribution joint venture in the Middle East.
The joint venture consolidates the distribution of Cummins products in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Those products are currently distributed by Cummins’ wholly owned UAE distributor and Olayan-owned independent distributors – General Contracting Co. in Saudi Arabia and General Transportation and Equipment in Kuwait. The three countries represent some of the largest markets for Cummins in the Middle East.
The partnership will provide a platform to train and employ 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 of Cummins. “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.”
“We began distributing Cummins products in Saudi Arabia in 1956 and have always viewed ourselves as operating in a real spirit of partnership,” said Lubna Olayan of Olayan Financing Co. “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 our customers.”
