Could America’s next high-speed trains be produced in the South after all?
In May, Brightline West named Siemens Mobility the preferred bidder to build a fleet of 10 “American Pioneer 220” high-speed trains that will connect Las Vegas and Southern California. Siemens won the bid for Alstom, which would have produced the trains in Hornell.
However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is leading Siemens to locate its new manufacturing facility in Upstate New York.
Schumer said Upstate New York is “best suited” for Siemens to quickly set up its U.S. manufacturing operations – with the Southern Tier uniquely positioned to land a factory that could create several hundred jobs.
“Upstate New York is ripe for economic development and growth, offering opportunity and potential for the future of America’s rail industry,” said Schumer. “The Southern Tier is a great fit for what Siemens Mobility is looking for, with an already robust train manufacturing ecosystem, readily available locations, cheap and reliable power and water, a skilled workforce and a strong workforce presence across the region.
Why Siemens is focusing on a new production facility
Brightline’s $12 billion project was awarded $3 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed in 2021, which included “Buy America” requirements intended to boost U.S. industry. The company requested a waiver to build the first two AP220 trains in Germany while building a U.S. supply chain.
Brightline West said Siemens will set up a new factory to produce the AP220, with the location of the high-speed rail manufacturing center to be announced when the contract is finalized.
Schumer said New York “has a real opportunity to land this major facility to strengthen the already robust train manufacturing ecosystem.”
Schumer praised the state’s infrastructure, experienced union workforce, training programs and manufacturing ecosystem for making the case for bringing AP220 production to New York. Time is a factor; The AP220 trainsets are expected to be delivered before service in 2028.
“Not only do we have the best union workers in the industry, but we also have a strong manufacturing base and the capacity to get Siemens’ new factory up and running as quickly as possible. That is why I call on Siemens to expand their activities in New York. presence, establish their railcar manufacturing facility and create hundreds of good-paying jobs for New Yorkers,” said Schumer.
Some jobs have already been earmarked; The agreement includes a 30-year rolling stock maintenance contract at Brightline West’s vehicle maintenance facility in Sloan, Nevada.
The AP220 will be designed to reach speeds of up to 220 miles per hour, with the seven-car trains capable of transporting approximately 450 passengers between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area in less than two hours.
Related: Alstom misses the bid for the Brightline West high-speed line. What it means for Hornell’s staff.
Southern Tier suitable for railway production facility?
In a letter to Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, Schumer wrote that it is important that the company “choose a location with an existing manufacturing base and workforce that supports the transportation industry.”
The southern layer could be suitable for this.
Hornell and Elmira have a rich manufacturing history in the rail industry, today anchored by Alstom and CAF USA respectively. Over the years, a network of smaller suppliers has also emerged. For example, Compin USA has set up a shop in Wayland to manufacture railroad passenger seats and interior components used by Alstom.
Siemens is already present in the southern tier. Siemens Energy acquired the Dresser-Rand plant in Painted Post about a decade ago and employs several hundred people in the region.
Siemens Mobility currently has manufacturing facilities across the country and has broken ground on a $220 million expansion in North Carolina in 2023.
The IAM union, which also represents workers at Hornell Alstom, announced in May that it had entered into a voluntary recognition agreement with Siemens to represent workers who will build the Brightline West trains.
Schumer said IAM’s union presence in Upstate New York is strong and “uniquely prepared to produce these railcars.”
“If Siemens wants to succeed, they must all participate in building a future manufacturing facility in Upstate New York,” Schumer said. “Upstate NY is better suited than anywhere else in the country with the infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities and powerful union forces needed to build America’s next generation of high-speed rail.”
This article originally appeared in the Elmira Star-Gazette: Brightline West train manufacturing should open store in New York: Schumer
