Siemens Mobility to build £100m rail centre in Chippenham

The company is embarking on a huge investment to establish a cutting-edge rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and research and development centre in Chippenham.

Siemens says it will underscore its unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, excellence, and its campaign ‘to build in Britain with Britain built-in’.  

The new facility is set to replace the existing factory in 2026 and is poised to be a cornerstone for Siemens’ future projects in rail technology.

The company says it will provide an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for Britain.

Siemens Mobility South West Corner (Image: Siemens Mobility)

Rob Morris, joint chief executive officer of Siemens Mobility in the UK and 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, 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.” 

Siemens’ new Chippenham site will be located south of Langley Park at SouthPoint Business Park and will feature an office built to the highest construction 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 approach to the new site (Image: Submitted)

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 for the UK railway.

The interior will be modelled to account for the ‘new normal’ with many open collaboration and meeting spaces, better facilities, relaxation areas and improved technology.

The site is designed to blend in with its surroundings and will undergo an ecological assessment aiming for a 10 per cent net increase in biodiversity through the planting of native plants and the creation of wildlife habitats. 

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.” 

Chippenham, the UK's sole dedicated signalling and control facility, has been integral to Siemens’ success in the United Kingdom 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. 

Employees leaving the site in the 1960s (Image: Siemens)

The 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.

Siemens’ investment in the new Chippenham facility signifies not just a commitment to cutting-edge manufacturing but also a celebration of the site's historical significance.