“Built by Utahns for Utahns.” That is the motto of Stadler Rail in Salt Lake City. Here at Stadler Rail, we are standing at the forefront of railway innovation. Stadler Rail is not just a train manufacturer. It is a symbol of Salt Lake City’s growing prominence in the transportation industry.
Stadler Rail’s journey began over 75 years ago in Switzerland. It is a company built on the values of efficiency and flexibility. These values helped Stadler Rail establish its outstanding reputation. The company is a leading system provider of rail vehicle solutions worldwide.
In 2015, Stadler Rail embarked on a new chapter. It expanded its operations to the United States. The Fort Worth Transportation Authority ordered new trains. Federal funds were used. This made it subject to the Buy America Act. Stadler Rail sought a suitable location. They found a former Union Pacific plant in Salt Lake City. The Utah Transit Authority leased the plant. It was perfect for the TEXRail order requirements.
Simultaneously, Stadler Rail began constructing a permanent facility. It is a state-of-the-art building. The area covers 230,000 square feet on a 62-acre property. It is located just five minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler U.S. Inc. stated that large U.S. railway operators are future-oriented. They are highly interested in efficient, comfortable, and reliable vehicles. Stadler Rail is here to provide exactly that.
In 2017, Stadler Rail secured a significant contract with Caltrain. The contract was valued at around $551 million. Stadler Rail would construct 16 high-performance electric bi-level KISS trains. There was an option for another 96 bi-level multiple units. Stadler Rail quickly realized it needed a larger production space. A groundbreaking ceremony soon followed.
The grand opening ceremony for the new Stadler Rail facility was held in May 2019. The plant is located ten minutes from the international airport. It is also just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. The 62-acre property boasts 75,000 square feet of production space. There is space for main, pre-and final assembly of single- and bi-level trains. In addition, there are 100,000 square feet of storage and handling areas. Test tracks are set up for the commissioning of the trains. Office spaces are also located on-site.
Currently, Stadler U.S. employs around 400 people. This number is expected to rise to 1,000 employees within the next five years.
Soon, one of Stadler Rail’s largest METRO projects in the United States began assembly in Salt Lake City. In November 2019, Stadler Rail and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit signed a contract. The contract was for 127 METRO underground trains in Atlanta. The contract includes two options for 25 additional trains each. It is valued at over $600 million.
Stadler Rail is partnering with Utah State University. They will engineer battery-powered passenger trains in North America. This is a potential zero-emission solution in rail travel.
In October 2024, the Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees approved a contract. The contract is for up to 80 new light rail vehicles. It is part of the agency’s TRAX Modernization project. Stadler Rail will build the vehicles at its Salt Lake City facility.
Stadler Rail is more than just a manufacturer. It is a vital part of the Salt Lake City community. It employs hundreds of Utahns. It contributes to the local economy. Stadler Rail is committed to providing innovative. They strive to create sustainable transportation solutions for generations to come.