Opening of new Alstom plant in Hornell puts city at center of worldwide rail industry
State, federal, county and city officials were on hand for a ribbon cutting for Plant 4 and the building's dedication to the late James Griffin, the pioneering long-time leader of the Hornell Industrial Development Agency.
It was a day clearly set aside for celebrating. Alstom employees and managers, local and state officials and regional economic development leaders basked in the completion of Plant 4 under bright sunshine.
"This is a proud day for Hornell and just the beginning of what we can accomplish when we work together," Hornell Mayor John Buckley said.
Alstom Hornell Site Manager Victor Ionescu said he was "privileged" to be involved with the Plant 4 project since its inception, calling it a new milestone in the city's long connection to rail travel.
'Hornell has been a rail town for 170 years and we are very proud of that history. That history has been built with the cooperation and the partnership of everybody here today," Ionescu said. "We thank you for everything you have done to make this moment possible."
Alstom spent $75 million and worked with 40 unique contractors to build and outfit the facility, one of the few advanced manufacturing facilities in the United States capable of producing stainless steel car body shells for passenger rail vehicles.
Buckley said Plant 4 marks a "landmark investment" in the future of the city. He said the plant's completion helps place Hornell at the "epicenter" of the global rail car industry.
"This facility represents not just steel and concrete, but opportunity, growth and a bright path forward for Alstom and the City of Hornell," Buckley said. "With the creation of an estimated 250 new jobs, Plant 4 is game changer for our community."
Buckley said the high-quality new jobs "will support families, strengthen the workforce and drive new economic vitality throughout Hornell and the surrounding region."
Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, praised Alstom's growth in New York state and its support for "good paying union jobs" in the Southern Tier.
In a statement, Sen. Charles Schumer said, 'Today, Alstom solidifies the Southern Tier and New York state as the beating heart for its North American operations. I've long fought to support Alstom's growth in Steuben County and will continue to fight to ensure Hornell has the resources it needs to be one of the nation's main hubs for rolling stock manufacturing.'
In 2021, Schumer secured a $3.4 million federal grant from the Economic Development Administration to the Hornell IDA to make improvements to the Shawmut Park site, paving the way for the expansion.
Michael Keroullé, President, Alstom Americas, said it was a 'beautiful day' for the City of Hornell.
Keroullé expressed his gratitude to leaders and officials at all levels of government for what he said was their "unwavering support and commitment" to rail manufacturing expansion in the Southern Tier.
More: Alstom's $75M Hornell facility now operational. Why it marks new era in rail manufacturing
And Keroullé said Plant 4 'reinforces (Alstom's) strong commitment to American manufacturing" and job creation.
"Good jobs are the foundation for thriving communities," he added.
In January 2021, Alstom was awarded an up-to $1.8 billion contract by Metra, the commuter rail system that serves the Chicago metropolitan area
Plant 4 is expected to be a key component in building rail cars for Metra, as well as other company projects.
Alstom provided tours of the facility following the formal inauguration of Plant 4.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell, Alstom celebrate opening of new Shawmut Park car shell plant
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