New Maryland train factory designs revealed by Hitachi Rail

The final designs for a manufacturing facility in Maryland have been revealed by Hitachi rail.

The $70 million factory, located in Hagerstown, Maryland, will be capable of manufacturing trains for railways across North America, beginning with new fleet for Washington DC Region’s Metro, and will cover a 41-acre site.

Including an 800 yard test track, the facility will sustain 1,300 jobs when complete, bringing major economic benefits to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.

Construction of the new factory is progressing well, with US construction firm Ryan Companies appointed as the lead developed. Land clearance, creation of the concrete deck and the majority of the external concrete walls are complete, with the factory on schedule to open in early 2024.

Once complete, the factory’s 1,300 team members will have plenty to keep them busy from the word go. A contract for 256 new 8000-series railcars for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) was announced in March 2021 and includes options for up to 800 cars to be built.

When fully up and running, the factory will be able to complete up to 20 railcars per month in a single shift, with the capability to produce a wide range of trains from metro to high-speed services.

Andrew Barr, group CEO, Hitachi Rail, said: “With construction of our new train $70 million factory on schedule and progressing well, we are one step closer to delivering a new, high quality fleet for the Washington DC Region’s Metro. It is exciting to be able to release the final designs of our new facility with its cutting-edge Lumada technology. Manufacturing pioneering trains is core to our business, and this factory, with its new workforce, will have the capability to build trains for all of North America.”

Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, said: “It is exciting to see the new Hitachi Rail factory coming together as the job creation potential and associated economic benefits will be an absolute game changer for Washington County as well as the entire region. This transformative project is further proof that the Hagerstown region is a major logistical centre for rail transportation with unparalleled connections to the northeastern United States, and is yet another shining example that Maryland is truly open for business.”

Congressman David Trone, said: “This new factory in Hagerstown will deliver over 1,000 good-paying jobs to the community and strengthen our public transportation options across the entire Metro system. After looking at Hitachi’s final plans for the factory today, it’s clear that this effort has an incredible return on investment for Marylanders. It’s crucial that public transportation allows folks to get to work on time, pick up their kids, or just get from point A to point B. I welcome Hitachi Rail to our district and look forward to the economic opportunities this facility will bring to Washington County.”

Randy Clarke, General Manager and CEO, Metro, said: “We are proud to have Metro’s new 8000-series railcars built in the National Capital Area. Creating local jobs and economic benefit for the region was essential to Metro and will return Metro’s investment to families, businesses and the region we serve.”

Kyle Schott, vice president of real estate development at Ryan said: “Ryan Companies is excited to have the opportunity to support Hitachi Rail in its efforts to improve passenger and freight rail transportation in the United States and North America. It is a privilege to lead the development of this state-of-the-art facility and with construction on schedule.”

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