Hitachi Rail, a global provider of rail solutions, recently unveiled final design plans for its $70 million train factory and 800-yard test track built on a 41-acre site in Washington County, Md.
The factory will be 307,000 square feet and also will include storage facilities.
The facility will be tasked with constructing 256 new 8000-series railcars for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The agency’s Metrorail and Metrobus serve approximately 4 million people.
The contract includes the option for up to 800 cars to be built.
The all-electric 8000-Series will replace cars in service since the early 1980s. They will include onboard technology such as WiFi, heated floors, digital screens, and improved regenerative braking.
“We are proud to have Metro’s new 8000-series railcars built in the National Capital Area,” said Randy Clarke, Metro general manager and CEO. “Creating local jobs and economic benefit for the region was essential to Metro and will return Metro’s investment to families, businesses, and the region we serve.”
The factory is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2024 and can complete up to 20 railcars per month. It will employ up to 460 people and sustain 1,300 jobs.