Siemens' new £100m research centre in Wiltshire will 'transform' UK railways

Siemens is to open a huge new research centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire

Technology giant Siemens has announced plans for a £100m research and development centre in Wiltshire. The facility will replace the company’s current Chippenham plant, where signal and control systems have been manufactured for British railways, including London’s Elizabeth Line, North Wales Coast and Birmingham New Street, since the 19th century.

The new centre is expected to be open by 2026, with around 800 manufacturing, research, engineering and reporting jobs transitioning to the new site. There will be no interruption in production, the government has said.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “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.

“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 plans are also expected to be a boost for the local economy in Chippenham and the wider Wiltshire region, with Siemens Mobility working closely with local small-and-medium enterprises across the supply chain.

Under the plans, Siemens will continue to develop and code the digital signalling systems for rail travel on the East Coast Main Line.

Rob Morris, joint chief executive of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said: “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, digitalizing 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.”

Transport secretary Mark Harper said the investment would help “futureproof” the rail network in the UK.

“Rail manufacturing plays an important role in our economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs, with this new facility supporting hundreds more,” he added.

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