Cummins asks anti-gay repair shop to stop using its logo

After a Grandville, MI diesel repair shop owner announced via Facebook that he'd refuse service to homosexuals, one of the biggest names in the business has distanced itself from the operation, demanding the shop cease using its logo.

According to MLive, engine manufacturer Cummins, best known among auto enthusiasts for the diesel-powered engines offered in Dodge and Ram trucks, said in response to a Twitter user that "diversity is a core value," at the company. "We are not affiliated with this business and are notifying them to stop using our logo," the reply continued.

Dieseltec owner Brian Klawiter made headlines yesterday when he posted on Facebook that he's "a Christian," and that he, "would not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons." He then went as far as threatening to put a gay person's vehicle back together with "all bolts and no nuts," just so they "can see how that works."

The company replied to a Facebook user with a lengthier comment on Klawiter's stand, saying:

"We are not affiliated with the company in question and we are in the process of notifying them to stop using the Cummins logo.

"At Cummins, diversity is a core value. We strive to ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect throughout the company and in the communities where we are located. Cummins understands diversity creates stronger and more competitive work environments. Additionally, welcoming and inclusive communities help attract and retain top talent.

"Cummins has a long history of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Our leaders championed civil rights in the 1960's, took a stand against apartheid in the 1980's, and in 2000 began offering domestic partner benefits to our employees, despite opposition in our community. We have also opposed efforts that were against marriage equality in Indiana, Minnesota and at the federal level. And this year, we opposed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana. These measures run counter to our values and undermine our ideals of respecting diversity and demanding that we treat each other with mutual respect."

Indiana-based Cummins isn't kidding about its opposition to its state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The company's chairman and CEO went as far as joining nine CEOs in signing a letter to the state's governor opposing the law, MLive reports.

For his part, Dieseltec's owner isn't going back on his statement, having received both death threats and messages of support, MLive reports.

"I can't say I regret posting. I feel strongly about morals and belief. But the response: These people are using every tactic imaginable to absolutely destroy my business," Klawiter said.