This week’s Manufacturing Minute brings forth exciting developments shaping the future of the nation’s high-speed rail ambitions and industry growth in the Golden State.

Siemens High-Speed Rail Project  

Courtesy of Brightline West

Siemens Mobility, a train manufacturer with a hub in Sacramento, CA, has been selected as the “preferred bidder” for Brightline West’s high-speed rail project. This is a development that is set to revolutionize travel between Las Vegas and Southern California. 

With the introduction of the innovative American Pioneer 220 (AP 220) train sets, Siemens Mobility is promising cutting-edge technology and a passenger experience tailored for the U.S. market. The high-speed rail project will take passengers from Rancho Cucamonga to the Las Vegas Strip in two hours.  

This infrastructure milestone signifies California’s leap into high-speed rail technology and amplifies the nation’s manufacturing capabilities.  

California’s Bold Investment in Innovation  

Courtesy of Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

California’s Governor announced the state would invest $120 million in tax credits to eight pioneering companies. Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement this past April, explaining how this funding will help create good-paying jobs and support the economy.  

“California’s economy is the fifth largest in the world and we’re supporting workers and businesses as they reach success,” Newsom said. “This funding will help businesses create good-paying jobs — from steel manufacturing in Kern County to sustainable lithium production in Imperial Valley — and support the state’s economic dominance for years to come.” 

This huge investment in California is expected to generate more than 2,100 full-time jobs with an average annual salary of over $100,000 and bring in an estimated $15.5 billion in private investment over the next five years. 

The funding from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) comes from the California Competes program that was created in 2013 to help businesses grow and stay in California.