Union Pacific to Spend $1 Billion to Modernize 600 Trains

Union Pacific via YouTube

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Union Pacific, the second-largest U.S. railroad, is spending $1 billion to modernize 600 trains, and Wabtec Corp. is the firm for the deal.

Wabtec is headquartered in Pittsburgh, but its 1 million-square-foot locomotive plant in Fort Worth, Texas, will help complete the project — the largest investment in modernized locomotives in rail industry history.

The Fort Worth plant will complete at least the initial units for the project and is actively hiring about 100 employees, mostly in factory floor positions, Wabtec spokesman Tim Bader said.

Union Pacific and @WabtecCorp are partnering on a locomotive modernization project to bring state-of-the-art technology to UP's existing locomotive fleet, improving reliability and fuel efficiency as well as reducing emissions. https://t.co/BxlVQS4kPB — Union Pacific (@UnionPacific) July 27, 2022

Wabtec specializes in providing equipment, systems and digital solutions for freight, transit, mining and marine industries worldwide. It employees about 1,000 employees across Texas.

The $1 billion agreement is the third modernization deal between the two companies since 2018. It’s part of Union Pacific’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The improved trains will not only reduce emissions but also extend locomotive life, improve fuel efficiency and increase hauling ability.

“Wabtec’s modernization program helps make our existing fleet more fuel efficient, capable and reliable. The resulting increased tractive power enables us to move more freight with fewer locomotives, which improves efficiency and reduces emissions,” said Lance Fritz, president, chairman and CEO of Union Pacific.

The modernizations will reduce emissions by 350 tons per train each year, a total of 210,000 tons reduced annually. The project will also reuse and recycle about 70,000 tons of steel.