On June 5, Woojin Industrial Systems announced that it will ship the initial set of upgraded LA Metro A650 trains, a project commissioned by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).
This project involves a comprehensive upgrade of the A650 trains, which have been in service for over 30 years. Woojin secured the contract, valued at approximately $220 million, in May 2024.
The company has established a dual production system linking South Korea and the U.S. to manage the LA Metro upgrade project. The first four upgraded train sets will undergo test operations at the Chungbuk Osong Railway Comprehensive Test Center before being shipped to the U.S. later this year.
The remaining 33 train sets will be upgraded at a newly completed facility in Carson, California. Key components such as propulsion control systems, train control monitoring systems, heating and cooling systems, and passenger information displays will be replaced.
The upgraded trains are expected to begin operations in time for the opening of the 2028 LA Olympics. Woojin plans to leverage its local production capabilities to pursue additional contracts in the U.S.
A Woojin representative stated, "This upgrade project is a large-scale initiative that involves a complete overhaul of the train's exterior and interior, as well as the propulsion control and auxiliary power systems, and train control systems. We aim to use this project as a stepping stone to accelerate our entry into overseas markets."
According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, Woojin Industrial Systems reported a revenue of 556.4 billion won last year, a 2.1% increase from 544.8 billion won the previous year. Operating profit was recorded at 48.1 billion won.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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