Siemens Mobility to Establish Cutting-Edge Rail Infrastructure Hub in Chippenham with €115 Million Investment

Siemens Mobility to Establish Cutting-Edge Rail Infrastructure Hub in Chippenham with €115 Million Investment

(IN BRIEF) Siemens Mobility announces a €115 million investment to establish a state-of-the-art rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering, and R&D center in Chippenham, UK, replacing its current site by 2026. This strategic move underscores Siemens Mobility’s commitment to innovation and sustainability while meeting the increasing demand for rail technology. The new facility, set to accommodate approximately 800 staff, will play a crucial role in advancing Britain’s rail industry, with a focus on building next-generation signaling and control systems. The project aligns with the UK’s plan for economic growth and signifies Siemens Mobility’s dedication to shaping the future of transportation in the UK and beyond.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 5-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Siemens Mobility is investing €115 million to establish a cutting-edge rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and research & development (R&D) center in Chippenham, UK. This investment highlights the commitment to innovation, sustainability, excellence, and meeting the growing demand for rail infrastructure in Britain and worldwide. The new facility, set to replace the existing factory in 2026, will be vital for Siemens Mobility’s future projects in rail technology, providing an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signaling and control systems for Britain. The transition, including the transfer of all local staff, totaling approximately 800, will not cause any interruption in production.

“This new commitment from Siemens is a big boost for Britain’s world-class manufacturing sector and shows our plan for the UK to be the best place to invest and grow a business is working,” says Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer. “This digital technology will improve the safety, reliability and connectivity of our railways and drive sustainable opportunities in higher-paid jobs and exports – as part of our plan to grow our economy.”

“Siemens Mobility has been transforming rail, travel, and transport in Britain for over a century. We are pioneers in digital signaling technology, provide leading service solutions and every fourth passenger train in the UK is from Siemens Mobility. Our dedicated team of 5,500 UK employees is committed to delivering top-quality transportation solutions, in Britain, for Britain”, said Karl Blaim, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Siemens Mobility. “This new €115 million investment underscores our unwavering commitment to Chippenham and the UK. It builds upon our significant investments in a state-of-the-art Train Manufacturing Facility and Rail Village in Goole, further solidifying our long-term commitment to the advancement of the UK’s rail industry.”

Siemens Mobility’s new Chippenham site
Siemens Mobility’s new Chippenham site, located south of Langley Park at SouthPoint Business Park, will feature an office built to the highest BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard. The production and warehouse areas will meet strict sustainability criteria, evaluated across various categories including energy, water, waste, health, well-being, or materials. This promotes structures that are more sustainable and beneficial for society and the environment.

The factory is being constructed with the latest standards for highly efficient production, while the offices are designed to provide a modern, welcoming work environment to enable better collaboration and innovation for the UK railway. The interior will be modelled to account for the ‘new normal’ with many open and collaboration and meeting spaces, better facilities, relaxation areas and improved technology. The site, designed to blend in with its surroundings, will undergo an ecological assessment aiming for a 10% net increase in biodiversity through the planting of native plants and the creation of wildlife habitats.

Legacy of Excellence: Siemens Mobility in Chippenham
Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham factory has been a hub of innovation for over a century, pushing the boundaries of rail technology and making a lasting impact on projects globally. Key innovations include digital signaling technology for the Elizabeth, Victoria, and Central lines, computer-based interlockings for the East Coast Digital Programme, modular technology for improved connections on the North Wales Coast, development of relays for railway signaling, or being at the forefront of delivering the first centralized traffic control systems in the UK. These innovations have resulted in significant industry cost reductions, improved safety, and enhanced efficiency.

The current Siemens Mobility factory in Chippenham has a rich history, dating back to its establishment by signaling contractor Evans O’Donnell in 1897. Over the years, it underwent various transitions, including being acquired by the Westinghouse Brake & Signaling Company, before becoming part of Siemens global network of rail infrastructure production facilities in 2013. Siemens Mobility, a global leader in intelligent transport solutions, has been at the forefront of rail technology for over 175 years.

Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €10.5 billion and employed around 39,800 people worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility

Media Contacts:

Moritz Krause
Siemens Mobility
+49 162 3480575
moritz.krause@siemens.com

Tom Wadsworth
Siemens Mobility
+44 7921248514
tom.wadsworth@siemens.com

Jennifer Judd
Siemens Mobility
+44 7921243423
jennifer.judd@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens AG