Siemens Mobility has announced plans to build a $60m factory in New York State to manufacture high-speed trains for the Brightline West route between Las Vegas and southern California.

The plant, America’s first, will occupy a 300,000 sq ft site in the village of Horseheads in the centre of the state. When operational in 2026, 300 staff will be employed on making American Pioneer 220 trains. This is an ultrawide design able to travel at speeds of up to 330km/h. It will feature a “party-car” that allows passengers to drink in a lounge coach.

Michael Reininger, Brightline’s chief executive, said: “For the first time ever in the US, we will be manufacturing trains that will compete with the best in the world. These will be marked by the latest innovations designed for the modern traveler and will establish a new benchmark in transportation.”

Siemens Mobility is working with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to bring union workers to the site.