Train braking systems manufacturer to expand in Roanoke Valley, creating 38 new jobs

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced that Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB), a leading manufacturer for the heavy rail and rail transit industries worldwide, will invest $2.7 million to expand its existing Graham-White facility in the City of Salem. This will accommodate the relocation of Wabtec’s pneumatically controlled braking systems manufacturing lines. Virginia successfully competed with Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Mexico for this project, which will create 38 new jobs, according to the Governor’s office.

“Wabtec Corporation’s expansion of its Salem facility fuels the resurgence of high-quality manufacturing jobs in Virginia, and we thank the company for its long-term commitment to the Commonwealth as a valued employer,” said Youngkin. “The Roanoke Region offers the skilled workforce and custom solutions to support Wabtec’s continued growth, and we are confident they will thrive for the next 100 years in Virginia.”

“As a leading global provider of transportation solutions, we are proud of our long history of manufacturing excellence in Salem and delighted to be expanding our operations there,” said Mike Fetsko, President of Wabtec’s Freight & Industrial Components business. “Wabtec’s collaborative relationship with the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the business-friendly approach from state and local agencies, provided us with the confidence to make this significant investment. With new products and additional high-quality manufacturing jobs, our expansion in Salem represents our continued commitment to the community and its key role in supporting Wabtec’s future growth.”

“With a century-long relationship in the region, it was important for area leaders to ensure Wabtec’s continued success. We applaud Wabtec’s leadership selecting Salem as a site for continued growth for many years to come. In addition, we thank the local and regional efforts by the City of Salem, Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board, Center for Manufacturing Excellence in SWVA, and Roanoke Regional Partnership,” said Dave Robbins, City of Salem EDA Chair.

“This expansion is a testament to the region’s continued competitiveness in transportation equipment manufacturing,” said John Hull, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “Wabtec, through its Graham-White plant, has been actively manufacturing in the Roanoke Region for over a century. It is encouraging to see a longstanding manufacturer expanding production and providing strong employment opportunities.”

Since the early 1900s, Wabtec has partnered with transportation companies to develop heavy-duty pneumatic and electro-pneumatic valves and accessories. The company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, and mining, marine, and industrial markets. Its Graham-White facility, which currently employs more than 200 in Salem manufactures air dryers, valves, gages/flowmeters, and braking equipment for rail freight, rail transit, truck, and bus industry customers.