Area Development
China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation began construction on a $60 million, 220,000 square foot, railcar manufacturing hub, situated on 40-acres along Page Boulevard in Springfield, Massachusetts. The company initially expects to hire a minimum of 150 associates.

Last October, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials awarded the China-based firm a $566 million contract to supply 284 rail cars for Boston’s Red and Orange subway.

According to MBTA's website, “CNR is committed to developing a rolling stock manufacturing hub in Springfield, and with an investment of more than $60 million, making Massachusetts the center of (its) North American transportation business.”

Its contract with MBTA requires the Chinese corporation to create more than 250 jobs at its Springfield, Massachusetts, manufacturing center.

According to MBTA officials, “CNR believes that in choosing Springfield as its North American hub, it will enjoy a number of important advantages as it expands its business. Springfield is strategically located near large metropolitan populations on the East Coast with ready access to highway, rail, and air transportation to support operations.

The company, which was recently formed from a merger between China North Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry Corporation and the China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corporation, plans to begin production next year and deliver its first railcars in 2018.