GlobalLogic, Ericsson Deploy Private 5G at Hitachi Rail

GlobalLogic Inc., part of the Hitachi Group, has collaborated with Ericsson to roll out an advanced private 5G network at Hitachi Rail's modern manufacturing plant in Hagerstown, Maryland. At 307,000 square feet, the facility is now located with ultra-low latency and high-bandwidth connectivity which forms the digital backbone for next-generation rail production.

The private 5G infrastructure will allow for real-time automation, leading to improved safety and scalable industrial solutions. Applications will include physical AI for defect detection, digital twins for railcar simulation, predictive maintenance that reduces downtime, and IoT-driven material transport to support logistics and freight. All of these applications are positioned to set a new benchmark in the rail industry for smart manufacturing.

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Hitachi Rail's Hagerstown parameters can produce up to twenty railcars a month. North America is experiencing strong demand for advanced rail manufacturing. The inclusion of private 5G connectivity is an important component of Hitachi’s ‘One Hitachi’ digital strategy to leverage IT, OT, and products to facilitate innovation and efficiency.

According to Joe Pozza, President of North America at Hitachi Rail, the new digital factory is not only a manufacturing factory but also a model of future rail production for other nations around the world.

Alan Minney, Senior Director, Global Strategic Partnerships, Enterprise at Ericsson, noted that this project exemplifies how private 5G can automate everything from predictive maintenance to collaborative robotics, and reduce energy consumption and downtime.

Sameer Tikoo, GVP Communications & Network Provider Business Unit at GlobalLogic, added: “It’s more than faster connectivity—it’s about establishing the resilient digital backbone that modern industrial operations need to compete, grow, and achieve sustainability goals".

The partnership of GlobalLogic, Ericsson, and Hitachi Rail highlights the capability of private 5G networks to transform industrial capabilities and advance sustainable manufacturing.