• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Monday March 4 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Siemens Mobility to build £100 million R&D facility in Chippenham

Engineering firm Siemens Mobility is to build a £100 million research & development facility in Chippenham.

The state-of-the-art rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and research & development (R&D) centre will provide parts for the rail industry and will replace the company’s current factory in Chippenham.

All 800 staff will be transferred to the new facility when it opens in 2026.

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 move has been welcomed by the government.

Chancellor of the Exchequer 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.”

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’s a piece of Britain in everything we build.”

Siemens said the new building located south of Langley Park at SouthPoint Business Park, 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.

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.

Latest: Plans for £100 million Siemens Mobility factory approved