A new high-speed rail manufacturing facility has been announced for Horseheads.
US Senator Chuck Schumer made the announcement Monday that Siemens Mobility plans to invest an estimated $60 million to construct an approximately 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in the Chemung County village to produce the American Pioneer 220 AP 220) trainset for Brightline West, connecting Las Vegas, Nevada to Southern California.
“America’s high-speed rail future will be built in Upstate NY. 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 & 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 Senator 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. 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, powered by union workers here in Upstate NY.”
The AP 220s are designed for operational speeds of up to 220 miles per hour. The seven-car train can carry up to 450 passengers and is anticipated to make the Las Vegas to Southern California trek in two hours.
“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.”
Construction on the rail line broke ground earlier this year while Siemens expects to begin construction on the Horseheads facility in 2026.
“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.”
When complete, the facility is expected to create 300 jobs.
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