Woojin Industrial Systems announced on the 9th that the consortium it belongs to has been selected as the preferred negotiator for the light rail construction and operation project promoted by Los Angeles County in Inglewood, USA.
The EIP consortium, which includes Woojin Industrial Systems, consists of construction companies such as Tutor Perini, which have extensive experience in local infrastructure projects. This project involves the design, construction, financing, and 30-year operation and management of a 2.6 km line connecting the LA Metro K Line with Inglewood's new major complex cultural and sports facilities including Kia Forum, SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, Intuit Dome, and surrounding residential and commercial areas.
Perspective view of the new light rail station to be constructed in Inglewood, LA County, USA[Photo by Woojin Sanjeon]
In December last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation decided to provide funding for this project. The company explained that Woojin Industrial Systems' decision to supply railway vehicles and systems, while complying with the Buy America Act which prioritizes the purchase of American-made products during procurement, signifies its entry into the local railway vehicle finished vehicle market. The city recently announced the preferred negotiator, stating, "This project will be a major driving force for revitalizing the downtown area, transit-oriented regional development, and supporting local residential and commercial areas."
Woojin Industrial Systems developed the K-AGT, a rubber-tired unmanned light rail, as the fourth in the world and the first in Korea through a national research and development project. It has supplied this system to Busan Metro Line 4, the Sillim Light Rail, and the Incheon Airport Shuttle Train. It was also supplied to Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
The company expects to sign a contract around the end of the fourth quarter of this year after negotiations with the client. Design and construction are planned from 2025 to 2028, with vehicle delivery scheduled for early 2028. The total project cost is estimated at 2 billion USD (approximately 2.7 trillion KRW), and Woojin Industrial Systems' expected order amount is said to exceed 300 million USD. After completion, the company will also participate in operation and maintenance, expecting annual revenue of over 10 billion KRW for 30 years.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
