Siemens Mobility is to spend £100 million replacing its current signalling factory in Chippenham, Wiltshire. The company acquired the site in 2013 when it bought Invensys Rail Group.
The new factory will meet strict sustainability criteria and is designed to provide a ‘modern, welcoming work environment’ which Siemens says will enable better collaboration and innovation. It is due to be completed in 2026, and the transition – including the transfer of around 800 local staff – will not affect production.
It replaces a facility which dates back to 1897 when signalling contractor Evans O’Donnell started work in Chippenham.
Announcing the new factory, Joint CEO Rob Morris 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.’
