Stadler US Expansion: Welding Boosts American Rail Content, Jobs

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Introduction

Stadler has begun welding aluminum train car bodies at its expanded facility in Salt Lake City, US, a 50,000ft² addition to its existing factory. This development aims to increase local manufacturing and the proportion of US-made content in its trains.

Expansion and Manufacturing

The new facility enables on-site welding of aluminum car bodies, eliminating the need to transport them from Stadler’s European welding facilities. This change is expected to reduce transit time. Stadler aims to increase the US-made content in its trains to approximately 80%. The remaining 20% is largely sourced from Europe, but the company is reviewing its supply chains to identify further opportunities to decrease foreign component usage.

Local Economic Impact

The expansion is expected to create up to 20 new jobs for welders and technicians from the local area by the end of 2026. Stadler’s welding specialists from Hungary are currently on-site in Salt Lake City to facilitate knowledge transfer and maintain standards during the initial phase of operations.

Executive Statements

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that the facility represents a combination of global expertise and local ambition, leading to job creation, innovation, and a sustainable future. Stadler North America CEO Martin Ritter emphasized the creation of economic opportunity, stronger supply chains, and the association of American-made trains with world-class quality.

Regulatory Compliance

Stadler’s initiatives align with the Buy America Act, which has been in effect since 2016. This act requires companies to ensure at least 70% of project value creation is sourced domestically when using US public funds.

Conclusion

Stadler has expanded its Salt Lake City facility to include on-site welding of aluminum train car bodies. This expansion is expected to increase local content in its trains and create new jobs, supported by knowledge transfer from Stadler’s Hungarian welding specialists. The project aligns with the Buy America Act’s requirements.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Company Summary

Stadler: Manufactures passenger trains for the domestic market in the US, with a new facility in Salt Lake City for welding aluminum train car bodies.

HTM Personenvervoer: Launched the first TINA (Totally Integrated Low Floor) tram in The Hague, with an order of 62 vehicles, making it the largest global customer for the TINA tram.

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