Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Stadler USA has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the company achieving robust business development. To further support and enhance this progress, the Board of Directors has decided to establish the U.S. operations as a standalone North America division, effective January 1, 2025. This move separates the U.S. location from the Switzerland division. Martin Ritter, the current country manager, will lead the new division and join the Group Executive Board.
Stadler’s presence in the United States began in 2016, following an order from Trinity Metro in Texas for eight diesel-electric FLIRT trains in 2015. To comply with the “Buy America Act,” which requires at least 60% of the value for government-funded projects to be generated in the U.S., Stadler set up its headquarters and manufacturing plant in Salt Lake City. Since then, the company has consistently strengthened its foothold in the U.S. market, securing numerous contracts and expanding its workforce to over 500 employees. In October 2024, the company laid the foundation for expanding its plant, a move aimed at managing growth and enabling the production of train car bodies within the U.S.
Stadler recently finalized contracts to provide four diesel-powered DMU FLIRT trains to Trinity Metro in Texas and up to 80 new trams for Salt Lake City. Beyond these projects, Stadler’s product lineup, including GTW, KISS, and FLIRT vehicles, is operational in various parts of the United States, reflecting a strong presence across the North American market.
Strengthening the U.S. Operations
To build on this success, the U.S. location will transition to an independent division starting January 1, 2025. This strategic decision received approval from the Board of Directors in late November. Martin Ritter, who has been overseeing the U.S. operations, will head the new division and join Stadler’s Executive Board. Importantly, this organizational adjustment will not affect the terms of employment for U.S.-based employees.
Chairman of the Board of Directors Peter Spuhler: “Stadler’s presence in the USA has developed very positively in recent years. To emphasize the importance of the market, we are now strengthening the location. With Martin Ritter, an experienced and proven leader will lead the new North America division. I wish him and the entire team every success.”
Martin Ritter: “I am delighted with the decision to run Stadler US as a division from the new year. This shows the importance of the location and is the result of the enormous commitment of all employees here in Salt Lake City. I would like to thank everyone for their great commitment and look forward to mastering the challenges ahead and continuing to grow in the North American market.”
