• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Monday April 7 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Work starts on state-of-the-art rail factory

Work on a £100 million high-tech factory for the rail industry is underway in Chippenham.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy broke the ground at Siemens Mobility’s state-of-the-art facility, which will employ 800 people.

The facility at Southpoint Business Park will focus on “the development and production of the next generation of conventional, digital rail signalling and control system for both the UK and international markets.”

Lord Hendy was joined by Siemens Mobility’s leadership team, Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson, and past employees with multi-generational ties to the company dating back to the 1900s.

Rob Morris, joint CEO and managing director for rail infrastructure and software UKI said: “Breaking ground on our new Chippenham facility marks a significant milestone for Siemens Mobility and the wider UK rail industry.

“This investment reinforces our commitment to driving innovation in rail technology and to transform rail travel and transport for passengers and freight across the UK.

“It was particularly special to welcome past employees and local school children, who represent both our proud heritage and the future of our industry.”

Lord Hendy – who had a long career in public transport and was chairman of Network Rail until 2024 – said: “This £100 million investment will bring a huge amount of opportunity with it. Current and future rail projects will benefit from better signalling systems, modernising our infrastructure and meaning better services for millions of passengers.

“More than 800 people will have a job at this site, giving people the opportunity to build a life here in Chippenham and have a career in the railway industry – which I can say from experience is very rewarding.

“I look forward to seeing this investment create jobs, boost business, and bolster Wiltshire’s potential.”

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.

The new factory, announced last March, is expected to open in 2026.