Stadler launches first US aluminum train car body production with new Salt Lake City welding facility

Stadler launches first US aluminum train car body production with new Salt Lake City welding facility

(IN BRIEF) Stadler has inaugurated a new 50,000-square-foot welding facility in Salt Lake City, marking the beginning of domestic aluminum train car body production in the United States. The investment creates up to 20 new jobs, boosts domestic content in Stadler trains to 80%, and reduces reliance on European imports. Local welders are being trained by Stadler experts from Hungary to ensure world-class standards. The milestone was celebrated at a grand opening event attended by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who highlighted the project’s importance for jobs and innovation. CEO Martin Ritter underscored Stadler’s commitment to economic opportunity and strong US supply chains. The initiative strengthens compliance with the Buy America Act and positions Stadler as a growing force in North American rail manufacturing.

(PRESS RELEASE) SALT LAKE CITY, UT, United States, 26-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler has officially opened a new 50,000-square-foot welding facility at its Salt Lake City manufacturing campus, marking the start of domestic production of aluminum train car bodies in the United States. The milestone, celebrated on September 25, represents the first time Stadler has produced car bodies locally in North America, significantly expanding its US operations and boosting domestic content to approximately 80%.

The facility is part of Stadler’s broader investment in the expansion of its American manufacturing footprint. It will create up to 20 skilled welding and technician positions by 2026, strengthening the local economy and advancing the region’s reputation for advanced manufacturing. To ensure a smooth knowledge transfer, welding specialists from Stadler’s competence center in Hungary are currently training the Salt Lake City team in best practices.

For Stadler, the decision to weld aluminum train car bodies on-site—rather than importing them from Europe—streamlines production, shortens delivery timelines, and reinforces its commitment to the Buy America Act, which mandates at least 70% domestic content for projects supported by federal funding.

At the grand opening event, which included local leaders, employees, and community representatives, the company presented the first locally welded train car body in its North American history. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall praised Stadler’s role in job creation and innovation: “This facility is a shining example of what can happen when global expertise meets local ambition. With the opening of this new welding hall, train car bodies will be manufactured locally. That means jobs, innovation, and a more sustainable future.”

Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler North America, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to strengthening US supply chains: “We set out to build more than just trains. We’re building economic opportunity, stronger supply chains, and a future where American-made trains are synonymous with world-class quality. Today, our welders are proof that it can be done.”

By localizing production, Stadler not only increases the domestic content of its trains but also reduces reliance on international supply chains. The company is actively working to further decrease the share of foreign-sourced components, underlining its long-term commitment to the US market and sustainable rail manufacturing.

About Stadler
Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service and signalling technology has its headquarters in Bussnang in eastern Switzerland. Around 16,600 employees work at 8 production and 6 engineering locations as well as over 80 service locations, including over 600 employees in the US.

The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products. The product range in the mainline and urban transport sector includes high-speed trains, intercity trains, regional and suburban trains, underground trains, tram-trains and trams. Stadler also manufactures mainline locomotives, shunting locomotives and passenger coaches. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of rack-and-pinion railway vehicles.

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Media contact

Stadler US Inc.
Charlotte Thalhammer
Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone: +1 (385) 394-1921
E-Mail: medien@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler