Siemens to Build US High-Speed Rail Factory in New York

The nearly 300,000-square-foot facility will be built in the village of Horseheads, New York, over the next two years. Production is expected to begin in 2026 with the construction of the first American Pioneer 220 trains.

Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter said, “This new facility in Horseheads, New York, marks the beginning of a brand-new industry in the USA – bringing both high-speed rail production and some of the world’s most modern trains to the continent for the first time.”

Siemens noted that the location was chosen due to the area’s existing workforce and industrial history, with local government funding likely contributing to the decision.

Around 300 staff are expected to be employed at the facility, located in the same state as Siemens Mobility’s North American headquarters, and an agreement has already been signed with the International Association of Machinists for union representation of workers.

Siemens was selected as the preferred supplier for Brightline West in May and will deliver 20 American Pioneer 220 trainsets when operations begin in 2028.

While the factory will be built to produce trains for the Brightline West line, connecting Las Vegas to Los Angeles, Siemens is likely hoping its investment will spur further high-speed rail projects across the US.

The German company is notably one of two manufacturers shortlisted by the California High-Speed Rail Authority to supply rolling stock for its Los Angeles-San Francisco line, with Alstom as the other contender.

Brightline CEO Michael Reininger stated, “We’ve said from the start that Brightline West will plant the flag for high-speed rail in America and lay the foundation for a new industry with unimaginable economic benefits. Today’s announcement that jobs are being created thousands of kilometers away from the rail line is just the starting point.”