Human beings are known for a myriad of different things, but most importantly, they are known for getting better on a consistent basis. This tendency to improve, no matter the situation, has brought the world some pretty huge milestones, with technology emerging as a major member of the group. The reason why we hold technology in such a high regard is, by and large, centered upon its skill-set, which guided us towards a reality that nobody could have ever imagined otherwise. Nevertheless, if we look beyond the surface for a second, it will become clear how the whole runner was also very much inspired from the way we applied those skills across a real world environment. The latter component, in fact, did a lot to give the creation a spectrum-wide presence and start what was a full-blown tech revolution. Of course, this revolution then went on to scale up the human experience through some outright unique avenues, but even after achieving a feat so notable, this prodigious concept called technology will somehow keep on bringing out the right goods. The same has grown more and more evident in recent times, and assuming Siemens’ latest move shakes out just like we envision, it will only put that trajectory on a higher pedestal moving forward.

Siemens has officially confirmed its intention to build a new passenger rail manufacturing site in Lexington, California, and to realize the stated project, the company will invest a grand total of around $220 million. According to certain reports, the facility will focus on a wide range of technological disciplines, such as robotic welding, 3D printing, virtual reality welder training, and more. Another detail worth a mention is how Siemens has pledged to essentially make the plant carbon-neutral when on full capacity. Interestingly enough, this isn’t the company’s first attempt at expanding its manufacturing capacity. Over the last four years, Siemens has poured in more than $3 billion to set up various plants, with the investment split dedicating $400 million to production footprint and $2.5 billion just for M&A activities. The new plant also adds to Siemens Mobility’s existing rail manufacturing capacity at its Sacramento headquarters, with both the facilities now expected to operate as sister locations for the purpose of building train vehicles that are notably compliant with the Biden administration’s “Buy America” initiative. In case you haven’t been keeping up, the Buy America campaign is something which focuses on significantly increasing US content in the products that are bought by the federal government. Apart from it, the initiative also aims at supporting domestic production of items critical to US’ national and economic security.

“President Biden is committed to investing in America and rebuilding our economy from the bottom up – and it’s working,” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator. “Siemens’ announcement is further proof that when the public and private sectors work together, we can build a better America – powered by world-class, sustainable transit and rail that makes it easier for families to see their loved ones, domestic manufacturing that strengthens our global competitiveness, and good-paying jobs for all.”

Talk about how North Carolina landed such a massive economic boost, the state’s Department of Commerce provided the project with a 12-year, Job Development Investment Grant. This grant includes reimbursements of up to $5,636,700 based on meeting job creation and investment target. Now, while the numbers are surely huge, it all starts to make sense once you realize that Siemens’ facility will create well over 500 new jobs by 2028. If everything goes as per the plan, it will be the company’s ninth manufacturing plant across US. The other eight are understood to be located in Alpharetta, Georgia; Louisville, Kentucky; Marion, Kentucky; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; New Castle, Delaware; Tualatin, Oregon; and a previous facility in Sacramento, California.

The effort on Siemens’ part follows up on the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which earmarked a funding worth $102 billion for the rail industry.

“For more than 30 years, we’ve seen the U.S. market grow as we’ve manufactured more than 3,000 locomotives, passenger coaches and light rail vehicles in the U.S. in partnership with our 2,000 U.S. suppliers, including more than 40 in North Carolina. We now look forward to expanding in North Carolina and along the East Coast and continuing to deliver sustainable rail in the U.S.,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens’ Mobility division.