Nippon Sharyo will add to its existing rail car factory with a $54 million facility for metal fabrication and machining work on rail cars. Outgoing U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn joined Japanese dignitaries for the groundbreaking Tuesday. LaHood credited Quinn for the partnership with the Japanese company:
"These cars that are built right here in Illinois will be used by facilities around the state and around the country. This company could be anywhere in the world, but they decided to come to Rochelle because of a good workforce and a commitment from the Governor that there will be opportunities in this state and the region." - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
The facility is expected to create 80 permanent jobs and 200 construction jobs. The new building should be in operation by next spring. The company has a contract to build 130 intercity passenger rail cars that will be delivered starting in 2015 for Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, and California.
