Stadler has begun producing aluminium car bodies in the United States, following the commissioning of a new state-of-the-art welding shop in Salt Lake City on 25 September 2025.
The 4,600 m² facility is part of the company’s expanding US manufacturing campus and will create up to 20 new skilled jobs for welders and technicians. It represents a significant step in strengthening Stadler’s local production footprint and increasing the proportion of value added in the United States to around 80%.
Boosting local employment and expertise
During the start-up phase, welding specialists from Stadler’s competence centre in Hungary will provide support to the Salt Lake City team, ensuring a smooth transfer of expertise and international standards.
Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler North America, said:
“We’re committed to building more than just trains. We’re creating economic opportunities, strengthening supply chains, and laying the foundation for a future where American trains represent world-class quality. Today, our welders are showing that this is possible.”
The facility will reduce reliance on importing aluminium car bodies from Stadler’s European factories, cutting transport times and strengthening US-based supply chains.
Ceremony in Salt Lake City
At the opening event, Stadler unveiled the first locally welded railcar body produced in North America. The ceremony was attended by local officials, community representatives, and Stadler employees.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall praised the investment, saying:
“This facility is a shining example of what can happen when global expertise meets local ambition. With the opening of this new welding shop, railcar bodies will be manufactured locally. This means jobs, innovation, and a more sustainable future.”
Increasing local value creation
With the addition of the welding shop, Stadler has further strengthened its ability to meet Buy America requirements, which mandate that at least 70% of value creation must occur in the US when taxpayer money is used for financing.
The company estimates that approximately 80% of value added will now be generated locally. Of the remaining 20%, much is supplied from Europe, where import tariffs are significantly lower than the punitive rates applied to other regions.
Stadler has also taken contractual steps to mitigate potential tariff-related costs and is reviewing its supply chains to further reduce reliance on imports.
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