Hitachi Rail opened a $100M digital factory in Maryland, signaling growing CEO-led investment in the US, according to Fortune. The company is shifting focus to advanced rail systems and digital tech, aiming to bring high-speed rail and jobs to the US. They write:
Many CEOs are stepping up to visibly invest in the U.S. right now. Tech leaders were eager to pledge investments at President Trump’s White House dinner last week and I’ve met with a number of global CEOs announcing new commitments to create U.S. jobs. […]
It’s a smart bet for a company that’s been shifting its focus from building trains to building systems like advanced signaling and a “digital twin” platform, which railway customers can use to optimize their networks. Hitachi Rail accounted for about 12% of Japanese parent Hitachi’s $66.4 billion in revenue last year and almost 8.5% of its $7.8 billion in adjusted EBITDA. […]
“The U.S. historically invested more in highway innovation than passenger rail … but I think that’s changing,” says Marino. Among other things, he argues that “rail is essential for sustainable efficiency” and high-speed rail is “revolutionizing Europe.” Adds Marino: “We’re convinced we can bring this technology here.” And, of course, “create American jobs.” As for me, I’m in Park City, Utah, with many of my Fortune colleagues and top tech leaders for Fortune Brainstorm Tech, which you can stream here. I’ll be sharing more from our conversations—on stage and off—later this week.
Read more here.
