Hitachi’s Maryland Digital Factory- Rail Innovations
Hitachi Rail opens $100M digital factory, creating jobs and boosting North American rail. Alstom wins NZ train contract, a significant boost for the industry.

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Introduction
Hitachi Rail officially opened its lighthouse digital factory on September 8 in Hagerstown, Maryland, a $100 million investment focused on producing rail cars for North American transit systems. The new facility will support 1,300 jobs and incorporate over $30 million in digital enhancements.
Hitachi Rail’s Digital Factory
The Hitachi Rail factory, located in Hagerstown, Maryland, spans 307,000 square feet. The facility is designed to be carbon neutral and will employ up to 460 individuals directly for Hitachi Rail. These roles will leverage AI and smart manufacturing principles. The added value of the digital site is projected to exceed $350 million per year.
Alstom’s New Zealand Contract
Alstom has secured a contract from the Greater Wellington Regional Council in New Zealand. The contract, valued at 538 million euros, covers the design, manufacture, and supply of 18 Adessia Stream B battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) five-car trains. Additionally, the agreement includes 35 years of FlexCare Perform fleet maintenance.
Train Specifications and Deployment
The Adessia Stream B BEMU trains will be the first of their kind in New Zealand. These trains are designed for emission-free operations on non-electrified sections of the Wellington rail network, specifically the Wairarapa and Manawatu lines.
Employment and Financial Impact
The Hitachi Rail factory in Maryland is expected to sustain 1,300 jobs. The digital enhancements represent an investment of over $30 million. The new digital site is projected to generate a total added value of more than $350 million per year.
Conclusion
Hitachi Rail has opened a digital factory in Maryland, and Alstom has been awarded a contract for new trains in New Zealand. These developments represent significant investments and advancements in the rail industry.
Company Summary
Hitachi Rail: Hitachi Rail opened a new digital factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, featuring over $30 million in digital enhancements. The factory is designed to produce rail cars and support up to 460 jobs directly related to the company.
Alstom: Alstom was awarded a 538 million euro contract by the Greater Wellington Regional Council in New Zealand for the design, manufacture, and supply of 18 Adessia Stream B battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) five-car trains and 35-years of FlexCare Perform fleet maintenance.
Greater Wellington Regional Council: The Greater Wellington Regional Council awarded Alstom a contract for the design, manufacture, and supply of 18 Adessia Stream B battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) five-car trains and 35-years of FlexCare Perform fleet maintenance.
Technology
Adessia Stream B: A type of battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) train that will be used in New Zealand.
BEMU: Battery-electric multiple unit.
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