U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Brightline West and Siemens Mobility have announced that Horseheads, New York will become home to North America’s first high-speed rail production facility.
The first-of-its-kind facility in the United States will produce America’s first high-speed trains, the American Pioneer 220, which will operate on Brightline West’s Las Vegas to Southern California line. Selected for its skilled workforce, industrial history and ability to best meet the needs of Brightline West, Horseheads is located in the southern tier of New York.. Production at the facility is expected to begin in 2026.
Siemens’ investment in Upstate NY will lay the foundation for the next chapter of our nation’s transportation future, making high-speed rail, what only a few years ago seemed like a dream, but because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law is becoming a reality. After months of relentless advocacy, I am proud to announce this massive 300 job first of its kind manufacturing facility for America is coming to Upstate NY,” said Leader Schumer. “Upstate New York is unmatched in rail car manufacturing capabilities, with a deep proud history pioneering the rail industry and a community that is excited to get to work building America’s future. Siemens Mobility is an excellent addition to the outstanding manufactures already in this region, and I am thrilled they heeded my call to come to New York and will join the rail car manufacturing ecosystem right here in the Southern Tier. All eyes are on this major step in the modernization of America’s infrastructure and the Southern Tier will be at the forefront! Thanks to the trainsets that will be made right here in Chemung County. It’s full steam ahead for America’s high-speed rail future, with every stop powered by union workers here in Upstate NY.”
“Bringing high-speed rail to America is no longer a dream, but a reality. With Leader Schumer, the Biden Administration and Brightline’s leadership we will transform the way Americans travel,” said Marc Buncher, CEO Siemens Mobility North America. “Continuing our more than four-decade legacy of building trains in America, the American Pioneer 220s will be American-Made in New York by a team of more than 300 skilled team members.”
“We’ve said from the start that Brightline West will plant the flag for high-speed rail in America and will lay the foundation for a new industry with unimaginable economic benefits. Today’s announcement that jobs are being created thousands of miles away from the rail line is just the starting point,” said Michael Reininger CEO of Brightline. “For the first time ever in the U.S., we will be manufacturing trains that will compete with the best in the world. Reaching speeds of over 200 mph, these trains will be marked by the latest innovations designed for the modern traveler and establishing a new benchmark in transportation.”
"Through a $4 million grant from our FAST NY program, the Chemung County IDA is able to help prepare this site for Siemens Mobility so that they can create good paying, Union jobs in the Southern Tier and get up and operating quickly," said Governor Hochul. "Today's announcement is testament to the partnership between state, local and federal support to grow manufacturing and unlock real opportunities in New York State."
Siemens has invested $3 billion in the United States over the past four years while serving the industries and infrastructure forming the backbone of the American economy. The company’s 45,000 employees across the U.S. and 25 manufacturing sites are developing and deploying technologies for more than 100 cities and 90 percent of Fortune 500 industrial companies.
Image & Video credits: Siemens
