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Western New York’s economy only grows based on the strength of a highly skilled workforce and that means high-paying jobs. This connection between economic and educational resources is evident in the strong partnerships between ��Ӱֱ�� State College (ASC) and Alstom, a leader in transportation and mobility innovation. 

US Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer visited Alstom’s manufacturing facilities in Hornell, NY to explain how the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is making the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrack, with more than $66 billion in funds. He explained how Buy America requirements increase job opportunities in WNY.

“When we say Build and Buy it in America that means good-paying manufacturing jobs right here at Alstom in Hornell as the nation’s leader in rail car production,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to personally bring Transportation Under Secretary Carlos Monje Jr. to show the Biden Administration firsthand how the Southern Tier workforce is the best of the best when it comes to train production and is primed for more work building our transportation future. I say all aboard and full steam ahead for the Alstom Hornell facility and making the Southern Tier the next stop for making trains here in America.”

Many members of Alstom’s industry-leading staff learned their skills through local workforce training and ��Ӱֱ�� State College President Dr. Steven Mauro was among Southern Tier leaders at the Alstom event. A previous federal investment of $1.4 million through the US Labor Department and Appalachian Regional Commission helped fuel training in advanced manufacturing that led to hundreds of new jobs.

“��Ӱֱ�� State College is so proud of our long-standing relationship with Alstom,” said ASC President Dr. Mauro. “Not only does our college provide a pipeline of new highly skilled professionals ready for hire, but the innovation and cutting-edge technology at Alstom is also a real-world working lab for us. Architecture, business, construction, engineering technology, and manufacturing students benefit from the ability to explore Alstom’s facilities and meet with those who are inventing America’s high-tech, high-speed railways of the future. Alstom executives also serve on our Industrial Advisory Boards to continually evolve our curriculum so that ��Ӱֱ�� State graduates are the professionals this industry needs.”

Alstom is one of the few domestic manufacturers of rail cars in the United States and is only able to expand and grow based on its ability to hire those with advanced expertise.

“The highly skilled machinists union members at Alstom are the perfect example of how we can build the future of America right here at home,” said Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). “We are so proud that the nation’s first high-speed rail trains in America are going to be made by IAM Rail Division members, and we’re ready to continue making history. I’m so grateful to Leader Schumer, President Biden and our allies on Capitol Hill who continue to make record investments in building the infrastructure of tomorrow and creating good union jobs in our communities.”

Alstom leadership summed up how investment in infrastructure is generating jobs in Western New York, building a highly paid and highly skilled workforce, and supporting the economic vitality of communities.

“We applaud and thank the Senator’s strong leadership and for championing a smart Buy America policy that ensures IIJA funding creates U.S. jobs and strengthens local communities,” commented Alstom Americas President and CEO, Michael Keroullé. “We are proud to build a national center of excellence for the manufacture of high-speed trains in Hornell –proof that Buy America creates jobs, supports families, and revitalizes communities across America, building innovation and resilience into advanced technology and infrastructure.”