Cummins profit hits record third straight year

Columbus diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. reported $1.2 billion in profit for 2006, the third year in a row of record earnings. The 30-percent increase resulted from strong sales in its engine and power generation units.

For the fourth quarter, profit of $189 million was up 13.2 percent.

Without elaborating, CEO Tim Solso said the company is working hard to find the “next generation” of growth opportunities.