Boston, Sept. 10, 2015 (cntv.tv) — A subsidiary of CRRC, the world’s largest rail-car maker in China has just broken ground for a $60 million plant in Springfield, Mass. that will assemble new cars for Boston’s subway system. It is expected to create hundreds of local jobs.
This is the first Chinese rail car manufacturer to win a major transit contract in the United States.
CRRC, a state-owned company also known as China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, beat out all competitors for a $566 million contract to build Red and Orange line cars after a bidding process.
The Springfield plant is part of the contract. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker addressed the launch ceremony, pointing out that the new plant is mutually beneficial for both sides.
“The bid received the backing of the local authorities because it includes a provision to assemble the rail cars in Massachusetts. They will replace Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s aging rail lines, which connect Cambridge to downtown Boston,” Baker said.
The new trains will have environmentally friendly air conditioning systems, LED lighting and regenerative braking.
“We Chinese used to sell shoes and socks to America. Now we are capable of exporting high-end products, technologies, managements, capitals and services, covering all aspects,” said Yu Weiping, vice president of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation.
Construction is scheduled to get underway in spring 2016 for completion in late 2017. CRRC USA Rail Corp expects to recruit an initial 150 employees.
Full production would begin in spring 2018, with the first series-built cars completed in January 2019.