Cummins acquires First Mode, a company active in retrofit solutions in mining operations

Cummins announced the acquisition of assets of First Mode, a company active in retrofit hybrid solutions for mining and rail operations. The acquisition includes hybrid mining and rail product lines, and the full IP portfolio which includes hydrogen and battery powertrain solutions.

This technology represents the first commercially available retrofit hybrid system for mining equipment, significantly reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) while advancing decarbonization in operations. In addition, Cummins is acquiring First Mode’s commercial portfolio, manufacturing and technical teams in Australia, the United States and Chile. First Mode will continue to serve customers through the transition and is dedicated to meeting customers’ needs by shipping product in Q1.

The acquisition of First Mode reinforces Cummins’ commitment to providing innovative and effective decarbonization solutions and will allow the company to elevate our product portfolio while meeting the needs of our customers on their transition to a lower-carbon future. First Mode will operate within the Power Systems industrial segment.

“This acquisition is an important step forward in our goal to lead our Power Systems customers through the energy transition,” said Jenny Bush, President of Power Systems at Cummins. “With First Mode’s hybrid retrofit technology, we are accelerating our ability to provide decarbonization solutions that meet miners’ need to drive down operating costs today.”

Cummins is at the forefront of developing multiple technology pathways to help the mining industry transition to a sustainable future. Through product hybridization and clean fuels such as ethanol and methanol, Cummins is developing bridge technologies that enable miners to maximize the life of existing fleets while reducing carbon emissions.

“Cummins’ dedication to partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and miners ensures that these technologies are developed and tested in real-world environments,” Bush added. “With hybrid retrofit kits, modular component upgrades and scalable solutions, we are bringing miners the flexibility and confidence they need to decarbonize operations while adapting to evolving technologies and infrastructure.”