Siemens Mobility has officially opened a £100m rail infrastructure technology and innovation centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire, bringing its manufacturing, research and engineering operations together in a new facility designed to support the development of digital signalling and control systems.
image: Siemens
The opening was attended by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. The new centre, located at SouthPoint Business Park, replaces Siemens' neighbouring historic manufacturing site and retains approximately 800 local jobs.
The investment will provide manufacturing, research and development facilities for conventional and digital railway signalling technology. Products developed and manufactured at the site include computer-based interlockings and the European Train Control System (ETCS), which will support the transition towards more digitally managed railway operations.
Siemens said around 40% of the products manufactured at Chippenham are exported to international markets, making the facility an important part of its global rail infrastructure business.
The move continues a railway engineering presence in Chippenham dating back to 1897, when the site was established by signalling contractor Evans O'Donnell. It subsequently became the headquarters of Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company before joining Siemens' operations.
Technology developed at Chippenham has featured in major UK railway projects, including the Elizabeth line, London Underground's Victoria and Central lines, and signalling modernisation programmes.
The new facility is intended to increase the company's capacity to design, test and manufacture digital railway systems. Siemens also expects the centre to support collaboration between engineering, research and production teams.
The building has been designed to meet BREEAM Excellent sustainability standards, with energy-efficient production and office facilities. Landscaping and native planting are intended to deliver a 10% net increase in biodiversity.
The opening forms part of Siemens Mobility's wider UK investment programme, which includes its planned £240m Goole Rail Village in East Yorkshire. The company employs approximately 5,000 people across the UK.
The Chippenham centre is also expected to support skills development and recruitment. Siemens said it had welcomed 326 apprentices, graduates and interns into its UK business during the previous year and that its National Training Academy for Rail had trained more than 28,000 people.
Network Rail chief executive Jeremy Westlake said the new facility would support the development of technology needed for the railway's modernisation.