Congratulations to Salt Lake City! Stadler, a global leader in designing and building rail vehicles—ranging from modular regional and commuter trains to trams, intercity, high-speed, and specialty rolling stock, as well as advanced signalling and full-life-cycle services—has announced plans to expand its existing operations in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company intends to create 250 jobs and invest $189 million in Utah over the next 15 years.

“Stadler Rail’s expansion is a clear example of human-centered economic development in action—innovation that leads to good jobs and sustainable growth for Salt Lakers,” said Lorena Riffo Jenson, director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. “With a $70 million investment, 250 new jobs, and room to grow even more in the future, this project strengthens our local workforce and ensures that opportunity is created here at home. Salt Lake City is proud to support investments that double down on our people while fueling the next chapter of economic growth.

The company’s announcement was the result of collaboration among Salt Lake City, EDCUtah, the Utah Inland Port Authority, and the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). EDCUtah reintroduced Stadler Rail to GOEO’s EDTIF incentive program and encouraged the company to apply. EDCUtah has supported Stadler Rail since 2016, when the company first began exploring an expansion into the United States. During that process, Stadler chose Utah for its central location in the West and strong workforce.

“Stadler Rail is laying tracks for innovation right here in Salt Lake City, where they are building electric and hydrogen rail systems that ship across the country,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. Their products and commitment to workforce training are moving the rail industry full steam ahead, and Utah’s advanced manufacturing industry continues to be a catalyst for innovation and growth.”

Stadler Rail, a Swiss-based global leader in railway manufacturing, operates 16 production and component plants, six engineering centers, and more than 80 service locations worldwide, employing over 15,000 people from 75 countries. Its U.S. headquarters and primary manufacturing facility are in Salt Lake City, where the company builds a wide range of rail vehicles for the North American market, including light rail, metro, diesel-electric, and hydrogen-powered trains. Stadler US has delivered on high-profile projects including metro trains for Atlanta’s MARTA and America’s first hydrogen-powered trains for California. Recently announced, Stalder will build the Utah Transit Authority’s next-generation TRAX light-rail system.

“Since we opened our Salt Lake City facility in 2019, we’ve secured critical contracts, created hundreds of high-skilled jobs and firmly established Utah as a center of excellence in rail manufacturing” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler North America. “Thanks to the support of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity we are expanding our plant to boost production capacity and further invest in the training and expertise of our local workforce—strengthening both Stadler’s U.S. operations and the economic future of Utah.” 

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) – an EDCUtah founding investor – assisted the project by approving Stadler for Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF).

“Railway manufacturing drives high-quality job creation, strengthens Utah’s advanced manufacturing sector, and positions the state as a hub for innovation and next-generation transportation,” said Jefferson Moss, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Stadler’s growth highlights how global companies are drawn to Utah’s pro-business environment and innovative spirit. Investments like this create lasting value — for our economy and for Utahns through skilled careers and stronger communities.”

Stadler was also approved for an incentive by the Utah Inland Port Authority Board on March 24, 2025. The incentive allows a maximum of 10 percent of Stadler’s property tax liability to be rebated over 25 years. This post-performance rebate is part of UIPA’s efforts to support targeted industries within project areas. By incentivizing investments like these, UIPA aims to promote economic growth while fostering significant investments in public infrastructure.

“This investment solidifies Utah as a premier hub for cutting-edge passenger rail manufacturing,” Ben Hart, executive director of UIPA, said in March. “Stadler’s expansion will bring high-quality jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and drive innovation in zero-emission passenger rail technology—exactly the kind of growth we aim to support.”‍

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Interlocken for EDCUtah.‍

EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.