Hitachi Rail Unveils $100M Carbon-Neutral Digital Factory in Maryland

Hagerstown, Maryland – On September 8, 2025, Hitachi Rail opened its state-of-the-art lighthouse digital factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, marking a significant investment in North American mobility. The $100 million, 307,000 sq. ft. carbon-neutral facility, equipped with over $30 million in digital enhancements, will produce up to 20 railcars per month for major transit systems, including those in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

The factory, inaugurated by Hitachi, Ltd. Executive Chairman Toshiaki Higashihara, President & CEO Toshiaki Tokunaga, and Hitachi Rail Group CEO Giuseppe Marino, showcases the Hitachi Group’s advanced HMAX platform and AI-driven technologies. Operating with zero landfill waste, the site emphasizes smart manufacturing and operational excellence, contributing $350 million annually to the regional economy and sustaining 1,300 jobs, including 460 direct roles.

The facility features an interactive customer experience center, demonstrating Hitachi’s digital innovations, such as the Lumada 3.0-based HMAX platform, which optimizes railway assets and has applications across industries. “This factory integrates manufacturing expertise with digital and AI technologies, addressing infrastructure challenges in the U.S.,” said Tokunaga.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy praised the project, stating, “This state-of-the-art Hitachi plant is a powerful example of reshoring jobs and building infrastructure that benefits American families.” Maryland Governor Wes Moore added, “This affirms Maryland’s position as a premier location for global investment in future industries.”

The factory will enhance transit systems, with leaders like Randy Clarke of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority noting its role in transforming regional mobility. Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold highlighted the new railcars’ impact on safer, more reliable transit in Baltimore.