Four generations of Meyer family carry on 80-year legacy at Cummins
From a machinist in 1942 to today's supply chain and distribution roles, four generations of the Meyer family have shaped Cummins' history.
- 1942
- Over 80 years
- 4
- 16 years
What Happened
In 1942, Chris Meyer's great-grandfather began working at Cummins as a machinist at Plant 1, now the Columbus Engine Plant. Since then, four generations of the Meyer family have contributed across various roles, from production and facilities support to supply chain and distribution. Chris Meyer and his sister Angela Harris represent the fourth generation continuing the family's work at the company.
Chris Meyer's great-grandfather starts as a machinist at Plant 1.
Chris' mother Cindy Meyer worked in administrative support.
Columbus MidRange Engine Plant (CMEP) opens; Chris' father Steve Meyer supported manufacturing strategy for the opening.
Chris Meyer works in Distribution Business Unit (DBU); his sister Angela Harris also works at Cummins.
Chris Meyer has contributed to continuous improvement efforts in the Engine Business Unit supply chain, supporting projects at the Rocky Mount Engine Plant. He now works in the Distribution Business Unit, applying a disciplined approach to new challenges. His father's planning processes, developed before retirement, continue to guide cross-team coordination.
“It takes a lot of people to continually improve how we operate every day — building engines, servicing our products and meeting customer needs — even with today's added technology. Despite the changing landscape, it comes down to the people. None of these improvements can be done without our people.”
Chris Meyer reflects that the family's legacy is about relationships and shared purpose beyond individual milestones. He emphasizes that whether employees come from four generations or are just starting, they are all part of the Cummins community. The story underscores how trust and shared history make a large organization feel personal.
Why this matters
The Meyer family story illustrates how a major manufacturer's culture can foster multigenerational loyalty, showing that large companies are built on personal connections and shared purpose. It highlights the value of family legacy in industrial careers, a perspective often overlooked in business news.
Terms in This Story
- EBU (Engine Business Unit)
- A division within Cummins that focuses on engine manufacturing and sales.
- DBU (Distribution Business Unit)
- A division within Cummins that manages parts distribution and service.
- CMEP (Columbus MidRange Engine Plant)
- A Cummins manufacturing facility in Columbus, Indiana, producing mid-range engines.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.