Reed at CAF USA to Unveil New Rail Cars in Amtrak Contract

Press Release

Tom Reed was in Elmira Tuesday at CAF USA to see the unveiling of the first three new cars the Elmira rail company will send to Albany as part of a 130-car order from Amtrak. Reed talked with CAF USA employees and Amtrak representatives about the company's operations and the jobs supported and created as a result of the multi-year, multi-million-dollar order.

"Our Southern Tier manufacturers never cease to amaze me with what they're building right here in our backyard," Reed said of the new rail cars. "There's a demand for these new cars and our local workforce was chosen for its high-tech skills and quality products to fill that demand. I'm proud of the work our area is doing to "make it here and sell it there' -- it's a trend we need to continue to support and care for so that the Southern Tier can continue to create quality jobs here at home."

CAF USA received a $300 million contract from Amtrak to produce 130 long-distance passenger cars (baggage, diner, sleeper and bag-dorm cars). Reed caught a glimpse of the first of the new baggage cars being release to Albany on Tuesday. Field testing to measure handling, speed, stability and noise will continue through October of this year.

Reed said the Elmira company employs more than 700 people locally. The full 130-car order is expected to be ready by spring 2016. The new cars will replace old models that date as far back as the 1940s and 1950s.

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