Riverside: Hyundai Rotem Co., the train manufacturing subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group, announced the inauguration of its first U.S.-based rail parts plant in California, aiming to strengthen its presence in the North American rail market.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the new facility, located in Riverside and named Hyundai Rotem Smart Electric America (HRSEA), covers approximately 8,500 square meters. It will specialize in producing crucial components for rail vehicles, such as propulsion control units, traction motors, and auxiliary power supplies.

The plant's completion ceremony was held on Thursday, with attendees including officials from the Los Angeles Metro, the Riverside city government, and the South Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles. Executives from Hyundai Rotem and its partner firms were also present to mark the occasion.

In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, the facility will provide customer services and support follow-up projects for new parts development. Hyundai Rotem's CEO, Lee Yong-bae, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to local job creation and economic growth in collaboration with the Riverside community.

Hyundai Rotem emphasized that the new plant will enhance its supply chain by producing parts locally with Korean partners. This local production is expected to offer the company a competitive advantage in upcoming U.S. rail projects.

As infrastructure demand is anticipated to rise with the approaching 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics, Hyundai Rotem plans to utilize HRSEA as a strategic hub to expand its network in North America.