Metro will host event to showcase opportunities for local businesses to help build its next generation railcars

Metro's 8000-series railcars will be built at an assembly plant in the National Capital Region, bringing opportunities to small businesses throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Businesses will be able to learn more on Wednesday, June 2, when Metro hosts a virtual Small Business Outreach event.

The 'Meet the Prime' event will feature Hitachi Rail Washington, LLC, which was awarded the prime contract worth up to $2.2 billion to build Metro's new 8000-series railcars.

Metro and Hitachi encourage small, minority and women-owned businesses throughout the region to attend. The meeting will be held virtually with Hitachi Rail executives and include information about the company, contract objectives, how local businesses can benefit and a question and answer session.

Information:

WHAT: Metro 8000-series railcar 'Meet the Prime' event

WHO: Hitachi Rail

WHEN: Wednesday, June 2, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

HOW TO REGISTER: Sign up by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 31. Go to Metro's Meet the Prime Event page to register.

Space is limited. Businesses unable to attend can still learn more about Metro's 8000-series railcar program. The session will be recorded for businesses to view later.

Metro announced in March that Hitachi Rail was awarded the contract to build its next generation railcars. The 8000-series cars are funded using dedicated revenue streams from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Metro structured the contract to include aggressive goals that will return Metro's investment to the local economy. To deliver the 8000-series, Hitachi will build a new local railcar assembly plant, creating direct and indirect jobs including some 400 skilled trades opportunities.