ANNAPOLIS, Md. (
DC News Now
)—Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered encouraging updates for western Maryland following his recent visit to Japan.
Over 400 direct positions and an additional 1,300 indirect roles are being created.
Hitachi Rail in Hagerstown
—a factory in the area that is nearly finished being built.
Moore has recently come back from his journey to the Far East after meeting with Hitachi officials regarding their $70 million commitment to produce railcars for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Hitachi has been an excellent collaborator for us here in the state of Maryland, particularly in western Maryland,” stated the governor during a press conference at the State House on Wednesday. “During my meeting with them in Japan, I expressed my gratitude and also discussed their potential future growth initiatives.
In addition to its work with Metro in the D.C. region, Hitachi is also constructing railcars for the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
We are genuinely enthusiastic about the expansion prospects for Hitachi and other firms that I connected with during my visits to Japan and South Korea,” Moore stated. “This region presents significant opportunities for boosting job creation as well as fostering various startup initiatives.
The governor’s deputy chief of staff, Manny Welsh, accompanied him on an international trip to seek potential investments for the state.
Welsh stated that ‘The governor had an extremely fruitful meeting with Hitachi,’ adding that he is eager about potential future growth opportunities within Maryland.
Securing investments from abroad in Maryland depended significantly on crossing the Pacific, as highlighted by Moore.
“He mentioned, ‘They were pleased that we attended,’ adding that such relationships are significant for those businesses.”
Hitachi’s initial order for WMATA consists of 256 railcars, with an additional 20 railcars being ordered each month thereafter.
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