The expansion will retain more than 1,000 existing positions in Hornell and at Alstom’s operations in West Henrietta, and it will add nearly 200 new jobs in Hornell, Steuben County.
“This major expansion of Alstom's world-class manufacturing operations will not only create hundreds of new jobs, but also help drive the economic resurgence of the Southern Tier for years to come,” stated the Governor. “Investing in key industries across the state creates jobs and strengthens the economy in every region, and advanced manufacturing is the foundation of long-term, sustainable economic growth.”
The $66.8 million expansion project includes the renovation of existing space at Alstom’s Hornell facility, adding 60,000 square feet of new production and engineering space and 10,000 feet of new track, including 4,000 feet of test track.
“We thank Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for successfully advancing this region's vision through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative,” said Jerome Wallut, president of Alstom North America. “None of this would have been possible without the Governor's staunch commitment to this region and his continued dedication to making all of Upstate New York thrive.”
“We are honored to be partnered with the State of New York to create jobs and economic opportunities in the Southern Tier,” added Wallut. “Together, we are investing in people and facilities that will make this region the home of the best trains in the world for generations to come.”
Alstom’s Acela Express contract with Amtrak involves the design and production of 28 Next-Generation High-Speed Trainsets. The trains will be sold in the United States, with plans to export high-speed train components to global markets. The contract includes the supply of technical services and spare parts for up to 30 years. The majority of the work is expected to be performed in Hornell with some work provided at the company’s facility in the Rochester area.
The new trainsets will operate along the Washington – New York – Boston Northeast Corridor at initial speeds of up to 160 mph. The new trains will have one-third more passenger seats, as well as amenities such as improved Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights.
“Amtrak’s acquisition of new, state-of-the-art trainsets for our premium high-speed Acela service promises to reshape the Northeast Corridor travel market in much the same way Acela did when it was first introduced in 2000,” remarked Tony Coscia, Amtrak board chairman. “We appreciate the leadership and engagement of Governor Cuomo on this important initiative and look forward to working with our partners at Alstom to deliver the new trainsets in time for revenue service in 2021.”
Governor Cuomo established the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC), which focuses on job creation and economic growth strategies in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Sector. Alstom’s expansion project in Hornell strongly aligns with this strategy and as a result, the State has committed $30 million in URI funding to support project related capital expenditures, including construction, renovation, machinery and equipment. Alstom is investing more than $66 million in the project.