Philadelphia, PA: On Tuesday, March 13, 2012, a delegation of City Council members led by Councilman-At-Large David Oh visited the Hyundai Rotem manufacturing facility in South Philadelphia where they are building the new SEPTA Regional Rail Silverliner V trains. The purpose of the visit was to expose members of City Council to the high tech manufacturing that is happening in the City and serve as an example of future opportunities for companies to establish operations in Philadelphia.
According to Councilman Oh, “Having Council President Clarke, Council members Jones, Sanchez and Squilla and key staff members from other Council members offices visit the Hyundai Rotem plant was extremely valuable because this is a great example of a global company that has chosen Philadelphia for their North American headquarters and created more than 300 good paying, family sustaining jobs in our City.”
During the visit, Council members had the opportunity to see the production of new high-speed trains including a tour of completed train cars that are being prepared for delivery to SEPTA. The tour was led by Dr. Sangwhui Cho, President of Hyundai Rotem, who explained the manufacturing process including ways that the company incorporates environmentally friendly practices such as the recycling of 50,000 gallons of water that are used to simulate weather conditions for finished products.
“The visit to Hyundai Rotem was valuable and insightful to learn more about the manufacturing jobs that they have brought to South Philadelphia” said Councilman Mark Squilla who represents the district where the facility is located. Councilman Squilla also said, “I am excited to work with my colleagues in City Council to help attract more companies to Philadelphia that will create more jobs for the skilled, hardworking people in our City”.
The members of City Council who attended the tour were very happy with the experience.
“Having international partners like Hyundai Rotem call Philadelphia home only raises this great city’s profile,” Council President Darrell L. Clarke said. “But to keep that partnership alive and healthy, our municipal government must understand the challenges international companies that locate here face.”
“To that end, I must thank Councilman Oh for leading the charge in this effort. We look forward to our continued partnership with Hyundai Rotem, and to building new, fruitful partnerships with businesses around the globe.”
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Hyundai Rotem Company (“Hyundai Rotem”) is one of the world’s renowned rolling stock manufacturers with annual sales of approximately $2.4 billion, 4,000 employees, and more than 48 years of experience. Hyundai Rotem established subsidiary Hyundai Rotem USA Corporation in Pennsylvania in 2004, and made its 2400 Weccacoe Avenue, South Philadelphia, location its core business center.
Hyundai Rotem USA, with the assistance of satellite locations across the United States, is in the process of executing major rolling stock contracts with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (“SEPTA”), Southern California Regional Rail Authority (“SCRRA”), Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA”), and Denver Regional Transportation District (“RTD”).
