Right on Q

An e-commerce project launched by UK energy solutions specialist DT Gen in partnership with Cummins and based on its Q line of power generators, is being hailed as a success within a year of going live. 

Through the DT Gen Direct website, customers can order from the 11-strong Cummins Power Generation Q range, a low-noise, versatile generator which spans a power output from 22kVa to 550kVa, and receive delivery within a few days. 

The Q range was developed by Cummins with value-conscious smaller enterprises in mind: those attracted to a quality product built in Europe by a globally renowned brand and readily available. 

Based on early results from the DT Gen Direct site, the reality matches the theory, with orders being placed by business owners operating in the construction, agriculture, leisure and commercial property sectors. Private homeowners have also shown interest.

“We’ve been delighted with the early success of DT Gen Direct,” said sales engineer Joseph McNally. “We’ve had a pleasing number of enquiries, and we’re building a steady pipeline of sales. We have definitely opened ourselves up to a broader audience, which was one of our goals.” 

DT Gen has more than 50 years of experience in the standby power industry and has built its reputation on large and often complex installations featuring high-power, high-voltage generator sets – installations such as hospitals, data centres and microgrids, which are well served by Cummins’ legendary high-horsepower generator sets made in Daventry, UK. 

DT Gen’s entry into the lower end of the market was inspired by the launch of the Q range in 2023, the year it became an official Cummins distributor. Operating from centres in Glasgow, Scotland and the west of England, DT Gen can offer swift delivery and localised support. 

Olivia Carter, DT Gen marketing manager, said the key to the success of the DT Gen Direct website was keeping things clear and simple. She highlighted the second most popular page was the glossary, which explains the key technical terms associated with generator sets. 

“The site caters to two types of customers: those who know exactly what they want; and those who need our expert guidance, with features like our power requirement calculator and the option of being able to receive advice from one of our specialists.”

Cummins has been so impressed with the initial results from DT Gen Direct that it invited the company to address its European Dealer Conference in Madrid. 

“The thrust of our presentation was that it takes time to build trust on a business-to business e-commerce platform like ours, and that you have to invest in it, but the rewards are there to be had,” said Joseph McNally. 

“You just have to keep the content free from jargon and make the user experience transparent and fast. You have to appreciate that you are catering for an audience that may not have an engineering or technical background.” 

The whole Q range is 50Hz and they all use dependable four-cycle Cummins engines and three-phase Stamford alternators. The control system is also Cummins, providing a simple and reliable operator interface. 

For standby rather than prime power applications, the controls can include AMF functionality to provide automated load transfer. 

Standard features on enclosed units include battery charger, starting batteries, battery disconnector and coolant heater. Other features of the range are a bolted frame with reduced welding, powder-coated and textured paint, rust-free air inlets and bunded fuel tanks with 110 per cent spillage catchment to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance. 

The Q range is backed by Cummins’ comprehensive worldwide warranty.