Hornell, N.Y., August 26—State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) welcomed today’s announcement that a new contract has been finalized for Alstom Transportation Inc. to manufacture Amtrak’s next fleet of high-speed train cars, a contract that’s expected to create over 750 manufacturing jobs including 400 directly at Alstom’s Hornell facility.

Palmesano said, “It’s not often that we have the opportunity to celebrate the creation of 400 new local manufacturing jobs. I’m hopeful this will just be the start of bigger and better things for the revitalization of the Southern Tier’s manufacturing sector. Hornell Alstom’s manufacturing of Amtrak’s new line of Acela high-speed trains represents a major and much needed shot in the arm for the local and regional economies. It will ensure that the facility continues to stand strong as an economic lifeline for Alstom employees and their families, and the entire Hornell area. I simply can’t express my appreciation enough to the Alstom officials, Senator Schumer, Congressman Reed, Governor Cuomo, Mayor Hogan, Senator O'Mara, Assemblyman Nojay and the entire team of federal, state and local leaders who provided support every step of the way.”

The announcement of the final contract was made today by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at an event in Wilmington, Delaware, the vice president’s home state.

The finalized contract will create approximately 400 jobs in Hornell as well as potentially an additional 350 or more across the upstate region. Alstom employs over 1,000 people throughout upstate New York and is expanding. Alstom facilities, particularly in Hornell, have delivered steam, diesel-electric, electric, and high-speed rail technology, including more than 7,000 transit vehicles, to customers throughout the nation.