KinkiSharyo International will construct an equipment factory in Palmdale, Calif., and move its current U.S. headquarters, to Los Angeles County as part of a deal involving an order for more light rail transit (LRT) cars from Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).
LACMTA has approved two options for 97 LRT cars, triggering a provision requiring KinkiSharyo to establish a West Coast presence. KinkiSharyo will move its U.S. headquarters from its current location in Westwood, Mass., to El Segundo, Calif.
LACMTA already has placed a $299 million order for 78 cars from KinkiSharyo. If all options are exercised, the order could amount to $890 million for up to 235 light rail vehicles.
KinkiSharyo has a well-established LRT presence in the U.S., providing light rail cars for Dallas' DART, New Jersey Transit, Phoenix's Valley Metro, San Jose's Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and Seattle Sound Transit.