A global railway manufacturing company plans to build its first North American production facility in Steuben County.
GHH-BONATRANS, which operates in the Czech Republic and Germany, will locate the new plant at Wayland Business Park in the Town of Wayland. The facility will produce and service railway wheelsets, axles, and related components for customers across the U.S. and Canada.
The project, led by Bonatrans North America, Inc., represents an investment of up to $93 million. The site is located at the corner of Michigan Road and State Routes 15 and 21. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with operations targeted to start by late 2028.
State officials say the project is expected to create up to 85 new jobs. The company is eligible for up to $1.25 million in performance-based tax credits through New York’s Excelsior Jobs Program. Steuben County is also supporting the development.
Company officials say the new facility will allow production to be closer to North American customers, improving response times and service.
The project is also supported by a $16.9 million POWER UP grant awarded to the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency. Funding will be used to extend a high-capacity electrical line to the Wayland Business Park, providing immediate access to 6 megawatts of power, with the ability to expand to 21 megawatts in the future.
Officials say the infrastructure improvements build on previous investments in water and sewer systems and are intended to support continued industrial growth in the region.
Steuben County Legislature Chairperson Kelly H. Fitzpatrick said, “The Bonatrans North America project is indeed a win-win for Steuben County, the Southern Tier and all of New York State. Thanks to all of the involved economic development partners and targeted transformative investments in crucial industries, we are continuing to improve our transportation equipment manufacturing network, ensuring that the region will move forward on the right track for years to come.”
Wayland Town Supervisor John V. Malter said, “The Town of Wayland is very excited about the news of a new manufacturing plant being built here. With the announcement of the closing of the Gunlocke Company Plant in Wayland, the anticipation of new jobs being available is indeed great news. I want to personally thank the Governor for her support on this project along with John Edmonds for establishing the Industrial site in Wayland. A special thank you to James Johnson and his staff from the County IDA for all their hard work on the grant application to bring more electricity to the site to make this project possible and their work in securing the company to build here.”
Steuben County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director James Johnson said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Bonatrans North America, Inc. to Steuben County. This significant investment reflects not only the strength of our community and its strategic location, but also the work we have placed on site readiness and infrastructure development at the Wayland Business Park to support projects of this scale. I want to thank our many partners in economic development at the state and local levels whose collaboration helped make this project possible. GHH-BONATRANS’ decision to establish its first U.S. headquarters here speaks volumes about the competitiveness of our community, and we look forward to supporting the company as it grows and creates high-quality jobs for our residents.”
