Manufacturing Unwrapped: Impact of American High-Speed Rail
Earlier this year Siemens Mobility officially announced it would be establishing North America's first high-speed rail production facility in Horseheads, New York.
We named this one of our biggest accomplishments of the year, with the story making Manufacturing Unwrapped because of how profoundly it will impact US transportation infrastructure and manufacturing.
With the re-election of former President Donald Trump, the future of US manufacturing and trade is on everyone's minds, with many in the sector preparing for future tariffs and import restrictions.
The rise of high speed rail will need to be factored into these thoughts as well, due to the way it's going to change consumer behaviours and create new job markets across the nation.
Also, we're very passionate about urban planning.
Siemens: Creating high-speed rail for the future
In the article we discussed the potential of the facility Siemens intends to create for US high speed rail.
The 300,000-square-foot facility represents a US$60m investment and is expected to begin production in 2026, creating approximately 300 jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and related fields.
The facility will produce the American Pioneer 220, a high-speed train designed for Brightline West's Las Vegas to Southern California route.
This project aims to connect the two destinations in under two hours, introducing a new era of high-speed rail to the United States.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, highlighted the significance of this development, noting it marks the beginning of a brand-new industry in the USA.
The train features cutting-edge technologies, including:
- A revolutionary gearless propulsion system that reduces energy consumption by 30%
- Ability to climb steep grades effortlessly
- Ultrawide body design prioritizing accessibility
- Seamless wheelchair movement between cars
- High-speed internet connectivity
- A unique 'party car' lounge for passenger comfort
In the article we asked and answered a vital question: is high-speed rail feasible for the US?
We said yes it is, drawing comparison with China- a nation with a similar land mass that has developed a phenomenal high-speed rail network.
This is a good thing considering how positive high-speed rail could be for the US.
More than just transport
Transport is of course deeply political, having a profound impact on all our lives.
We discussed how in a country as big as the US, high-speed rail could have a transformative impact in the following areas:
Rural connectivity
The rail network could help address isolation in rural America by:
- Linking all fifty states
- Bringing new economic opportunities to stagnant areas
- Improving access to infrastructure and services
Public health and social benefits
- Promoting more walkable cities
- Potentially combating the obesity epidemic (with over 70 million adults currently suffering from obesity)
- Addressing the loneliness epidemic by creating more community spaces
- Reducing car dependency
Environmental and economic advantages
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Decreased highway congestion
- Enhanced urban accessibility
- Creating manufacturing opportunities
The article highlighted the strong political support for the project.
We shared the remarks of US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer who emphasized the importance of the facility for Upstate New York's manufacturing ecosystem.
Schumer highlighted the region's proud rail industry history and the potential for union job creation.
We also noted how Siemens brought significant credibility to the project, with:
- Nearly 150 years of history in New York State
- US$3bn invested in the US over the past four years
- 45,000 employees
- 25 manufacturing sites
Why is this a favourite article?
This article is a favourite because of how it showcases the true impact of high-speed rail, a development that we here at Manufacturing Digital are always excited about.
Siemens's work here has the potential to transform American urban design, economic development and social interactions, profoundly shaping the future of healthcare, urban planning and the labour market.
By challenging a long-standing car-centric culture, the project offers a glimpse into a more connected, sustainable, and accessible future for transportation in the United States.
It's a future that we believe people in every country deserve.
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