Could America’s next high-speed trains be manufactured in the Southern Tier after all?

In May, Brightline West named Siemens Mobility the preferred bidder to construct a fleet of 10 “American Pioneer 220” high-speed trainsets that will connect Las Vegas and southern California. Siemens won the bid over Alstom, which would have manufactured the trains in Hornell.

However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is leading a push for Siemens to locate its new manufacturing facility in Upstate New York.

Schumer said Upstate New York is “best suited” for Siemens to quickly establish its American manufacturing operation — with the Southern Tier uniquely positioned to land a facility that could create several hundred jobs.

“Upstate New York’s ripe for economic development and growth, offering opportunity and potential for the future of America’s rail industry,” said Schumer. “The Southern Tier is a great fit for what Siemens Mobility is looking for, with an already robust train manufacturing ecosystem, readily available sites, cheap and reliable power and water, a skilled workforce, and a strong labor presence throughout the region.”

Why Siemens is targeting new manufacturing facility

Brightline’s $12 billion project was awarded $3 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed in 2021, which included “Buy America” requirements aimed at boosting U.S. industry. The company requested a waiver to construct the first two AP220 trains in Germany while building out a U.S. supply chain.

Brightline West said Siemens will establish a new facility to manufacture the AP220, with the location of the high-speed rail production center to be announced when the contract is finalized.

Schumer said New York “has a real shot of landing this major facility to bolster its already robust train manufacturing ecosystem.”

Schumer touted upstate’s infrastructure, experienced union workforce, training programs and manufacturing ecosystem in making the case to bring production of the AP220 to New York. Time is a factor; AP220 trainsets are expected to be delivered ahead of service beginning in 2028.

“Not only do we have the best union workers in the business, but we have a strong manufacturing base and the capacity to help Siemens’ new factory get up and running ASAP, which is why I’m calling on Siemens to expand their New York presence, stand up their trainset manufacturing facility, and create hundreds of good-paying jobs for New Yorkers,” said Schumer.

Some jobs are already earmarked; the deal includes a 30-year rolling stock maintenance contract at Brightline West’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Sloan, Nevada.

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The AP220 will be designed to hit speeds of up to 220 miles per hour, with the seven-car trains carrying up to around 450 passengers between Las Vegas and the greater Los Angeles area in under two hours.

Related: Alstom misses Brightline West high speed rail bid. What it means for Hornell workforce.

Southern Tier a good fit for rail manufacturing facility?

In a letter to Siemens USA CEO Barbara Humpton, Schumer wrote that it’s important the company “chooses a site with an existing manufacturing base and workforce that supports the transportation industry.”

The Southern Tier might fit the bill.

Hornell and Elmira have rich manufacturing histories in the rail industry, anchored today by Alstom and CAF USA, respectively. A network of smaller suppliers has also sprung up over the years. Compin USA, for example, set up shop in Wayland to manufacture railway passenger seats and interior components that are utilized by Alstom.

Siemens already has a presence in the Southern Tier. Siemens Energy acquired the Dresser-Rand plant in Painted Post about a decade ago and employs several hundred people in the region.

Siemens Mobility currently has manufacturing facilities spread across the country, and broke ground on a $220 million expansion in North Carolina in 2023.

The IAM union, which also represents Hornell Alstom workers, announced in May that it reached a Voluntary Recognition Agreement with Siemens to represent employees who will build the Brightline West trains.

Schumer said IAM’s union presence in Upstate New York is strong and “uniquely prepared to manufacturer these trainsets.”

“If Siemens is looking to succeed, they should get all aboard for building any future manufacturing facility in Upstate New York,” said Schumer. “Upstate NY is better suited than anywhere in the country with the infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and powerhouse union workforce needed to build America’s next-gen high-speed rail cars.”

This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Brightline West train manufacturing should set up shop in NY: Schumer