Siemens is embarking on a ground-breaking £100 million investment to establish a cutting-edge rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and research and development (R&D) centre in Chippenham, underscoring its commitment ‘to build in Britain with Britain built in’.

The new facility, set to replace the existing factory at the site in 2026, is poised to be a cornerstone for Siemens’ future projects in rail technology, providing an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for the UK. The transition, including the transfer of all local staff, totalling around 800 people, will not cause any interruption in production.

Rob Morris, joint CEO of Siemens Mobility in the UK & Ireland, said: “This £100 million investment is a strong commitment to Chippenham and our country. 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 is a piece of Britain in everything we build.”

Strict sustainability criteria
The new site 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. 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.

Chippenham, the UK’s sole dedicated signalling and control facility, has been integral to Siemens’ success in the UK and globally. The current factory, a hub for designing, manufacturing, and delivering signalling and control systems, has played a pivotal role in major projects such as the Elizabeth line, North Wales Coast, Birmingham New Street, and numerous global initiatives.

The existing Siemens factory in Chippenham has a rich history, dating back to its establishment by signalling contractor Evans O’Donnell in 1897. Over the years, it underwent various transitions, including being acquired by the Westinghouse Brake and Signalling 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.