Key Takeaways
- Alstom opened a $75 million manufacturing facility in Hornell, New York, to produce rail cars for Metra.
- The plant will create 258 new jobs and retain 390 existing positions, focusing on reshoring production to comply with U.S. regulations.
- Advanced technology, including automated welding robots, will enhance quality and reduce costs for Alstom’s transit customers.
Expansion of Alstom’s Operations
Alstom, a leading supplier of rail vehicles and related infrastructure, inaugurated a $75 million manufacturing facility in Hornell, New York, on Monday. This facility will expand on its existing operations and focus on producing 200 multilevel commuter rail cars for Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail system. With a footprint of 135,000 square feet, the new site will also manufacture stainless steel car body shells, moving production back from Brazil.
This expansion is a strategic move for Alstom, as it enables the company to reshore production in compliance with the Buy America Act. This Act mandates that at least 70% of each rail car must be manufactured in the U.S., including final assembly. This compliance will be crucial for securing future contracts and improving Alstom’s competitive edge in the U.S. market.
Current projects for Alstom include multilevel rail cars for New Jersey Transit, an automated people mover at Los Angeles International Airport, and new Acela train sets for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. The new facility is expected to create 258 jobs and retain 390 existing positions within the local community. Brian Bryant, President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, noted that the jobs provided will be family-sustaining careers that positively impact the community.
Federal, state, and local grants, alongside job and tax credit programs, contributed to the establishment of this new plant. Senator Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., highlighted his role in securing $3.4 million in federal funding to accelerate Alstom’s expansion efforts.
The high-tech nature of the new plant also includes advanced automated welding robots that ensure precision in welds within a margin of 1 millimeter. This technology not only promises to enhance the quality of the manufactured cars but is also expected to lower costs for Alstom’s transit authority clients. Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, emphasized that investing in American manufacturing generates jobs that benefit the entire region, reinforcing Alstom’s commitment to building trains in America.
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