• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Friday January 10 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Siemens’ new Chippenham plant to play major role in £560 million HS2 contract

A £100 million R&D and manufacturing plant in Chippenham will play a major role in the delivery of a £560 million contract landed by technology firm Siemens.

The company announced yesterday (Thursday) that it had been awarded four significant contracts by HS2 Ltd and will join key contractors under the Rail Systems Alliance.

Siemens Mobility will play a crucial role in the delivery and operation of the new 225km British high-speed railway that will connect London and the West Midlands.

Siemens will provide technology that will allow trains to run semi-automatically, improving capacity, punctuality and energy efficiency. It will be the first time the firm’s Automatic Train Operations technology is used on a high-speed network.

Another contract focuses on an Engineering Management System that will enable real-time control and monitoring of railway equipment, ultimately enhancing reliability and efficiency.

Siemens Mobility also formed a joint venture with Costain Ltd to deliver high voltage power supply systems along the HS2 route.

Finally, Siemens Mobility will take charge of implementing Operational Telecommunications and Security Systems for the entire HS2 route.

“HS2 is set to transform rail travel by offering faster and more reliable passenger journeys and freeing up freight paths in the UK,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility.

“HS2 will play a vital role in connecting the UK’s two largest cities and driving growth and sustainability nationwide.

“With our 5,500 UK employees, Siemens Mobility is fully committed to delivering advanced transportation solutions designed and built in Britain.”

The company said its new manufacturing facility at Chippenham – which will employ 800 staff – as well as plants in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire and Goole, East Yorkshire would be key in delivering the contracts.

The current 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 & Signalling Company, before becoming part of Siemens global network of rail infrastructure production facilities in 2013.

Wiltshire Council gave the go-ahead for construction of the new facility in November.