Hitachi Rail’s Maryland Digital Factory: Rail Innovations for North America

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Introduction

Hitachi Rail has opened its digital factory in Maryland, a USD 100 million, 307,000 sq. ft. carbon-neutral facility, to produce railcars for North American customers. The site, inaugurated on September 8th, will support 1,300 jobs and aims to generate over USD 350 million annually for the DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions.

Factory Overview and Inauguration

The digital factory, a USD 100 million investment, spans 307,000 sq. ft. and incorporates over USD 30 million in digital enhancements. The inauguration ceremony on September 8th was attended by Hitachi executives, including Executive Chairman Toshiaki Higashihara, President & CEO Toshiaki Tokunaga, and Group CEO of Hitachi Rail, Giuseppe Marino.

Digital Enhancements and Technology Integration

The factory will feature a demonstration of One Hitachi’s technologies via an immersive and interactive customer experience centre. Digital enhancements are designed to optimize quality, delivery, and broader solutions, including modern signalling and Hitachi’s HMAX platform, which uses AI to optimize railway assets—an application of Lumada 3.0.

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

The facility is designed for high-quality production and customer value creation. It employs real-time supply chain and manufacturing monitoring, local component manufacturing via 3D printing, and on-site additive manufacturing for spares and tooling. The plant operates with zero CO2 emissions, incorporating solar panels and a 100% renewable electricity agreement. AI systems monitor and optimize energy consumption efficiency, and the plant aims to eliminate landfill waste from its inception, projected to save 800,000 kg of CO2 annually through solar power.

Economic and Employment Impact

The digital factory will support 1,300 jobs, with up to 460 roles directly within Hitachi Rail, utilizing AI and smart manufacturing principles. The facility is expected to generate over USD 350 million in added value per year, contributing significantly to the economic development of the DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions.

Conclusion

Hitachi Rail’s digital factory in Maryland is designed to produce railcars for customers in North America, including the Washington DC area, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, supported by digital enhancements, sustainable practices, and a focus on job creation and regional economic benefits.

Company Summary

Hitachi Rail: Hitachi Rail is a global provider of rail solutions, including rolling stock, signaling, and digital technologies.

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