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Focused on infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and R&D, the new centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire, is set to replace a nearby factory by 2026.
Announced today (4 March), the new facility is designed to be a “cornerstone” for Siemens’ future rail technology projects, providing an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for the UK.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “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.”
The transition will include the transfer of all local staff, approximately 800 workers. There should be no interruption to production, Siemens said.
“This £100m investment is a strong commitment to Chippenham and our country,” said Rob Morris, joint CEO of Siemens Mobility in the UK & Ireland. “Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham site, along with our 30 sites across the country, has been transforming rail travel and transport in Britain – and it will continue to do so with cloud-based rail technology connecting the real and the digital worlds, digitalising rail.
“We are very excited to soon start construction of one of the most sophisticated rail factories, digital engineering and R&D sites in the UK, supporting local jobs and skills for the future. There’s a piece of Britain in everything we build.”
The current factory, a hub for designing, manufacturing, and delivering signalling and control systems, has played an important role in major projects such as the Elizabeth line, North Wales Coast railway, Birmingham New Street station, and numerous global schemes.
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