HORSEHEADS, NY (CortacaToday) – Hundreds of jobs are coming to the Southern Tier.

Siemens Mobility is planning a new first-of-its-kind manufacturing hub for high-speed railcars in Horseheads. The company will invest roughly $60 million in a 300,000-square-foot facility to build cars Brightline West, which will be used for a line connecting Las Vegas to Southern California. The announcement came Monday, September 9, 2024, by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

“Upstate New York is unmatched in rail car manufacturing capabilities, with a deep proud history pioneering the rail industry and a community that’s excited to get to work building America’s future,” said Senator Schumer. “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 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced earlier this year a Voluntary Recognition Agreement and reached a memorandum of understanding with Siemens to represent employees who will build the trains.

The American Pioneer 220 railcars will be the fastest yet in the country, capable of speeds up to 220 mph. The Brightline Project, a $12 billion partnership with the Nevada DOT, will enable travelers from LA to reach Las Vegas in two hours, about half the time it takes by automobile.

“Bringing high-speed rail to America is no longer a dream, but a reality,” said Siemens Mobility North America CEO Marc Buncher. “With Leader Schumer, the Biden Administration, and Brightline’s leadership we will transform the way Americans travel. Continuing our more than four-decade legacy 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.”

Siemens aims to begin production at the facility sometime in 2026.