Cummins completes deal acquiring “Jake Brake” maker

COLUMBUS – Columbus-based Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) has completed its previously-announced acquisition of Jacobs Vehicle Systems, a Connecticut-based manufacturer of engine braking and cylinder deactivation systems. Cummins purchased JVS from Altra Industrial Motion Corp. in a deal valued at $325 million.

JVS has more than 60 years of experience in engine retarding and valve actuation systems for the commercial vehicle industry, which Cummins says are key components to meet current and future emissions regulations.

The Columbus-based engine manufacturer announced plans to acquire the company, the maker of the famous “Jake Brake” system, in February. Cummins says the addition of JVS brings new technologies that will provide growth opportunities for Cummins’ platforms.

In 1961, JVS was founded when Clessie Cummins, the founder of Cummins, invented the first engine brake for commercial vehicles for JVS, referred to as the “Jake Brake.”

Jacobs Vehicle Systems will report to Cummins Turbo Technologies within the company’s Components segment.

JVS has roughly 600 employees with manufacturing facilities in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and Suzhou, China.