Plasser American begins expansion of Chesapeake, Va., facilities

Oct. 9, 2020

The project calls for a new office building, as well as expanding the facility’s assembly area to 229,000 square feet.

A rendering of what the manufacturing building.

Plasser American Corporation signed a contract Aug. 28, 2020, finalizing plans to expand its Chesapeake, Va., facilities. Plasser American calls the signing of the contract “a new era” and says the expansion shows the company’s commitment to the city of Chesapeake and the rail industry that utilizes its equipment.

The expanded facility will include a new office building that will be completed in 2021, expansion of its assembly and warehouse area to 229,000 square feet to be completed by 2022 and campus enhancements that will completed by 2023.

Plasser American says output will be increased by more than 100 percent due to the new assembly production flow, the efficient design of the workspaces and additional employees.

The $52.6-million expansion project will be done by local companies and create approximately 98 new jobs for the area.

“This historical project is our proof of trust in the North American railroad system and confidence in the U.S. economy. I am proud of our company's development in the United States over the last six decades and here in Chesapeake for already 50 years. This milestone is our chance to show our commitment to the region and to support local talents, employees and suppliers,” said Plasser American President Thomas Blechinger.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.