Siemens state-of-the-art rail factory breaks ground

The new facility is expected to open in 2026, making rail signalling and control systems

A new "state-of-the-art factory" has begun construction in a Wiltshire town.

Siemens Mobility, the rail arm of the German industrial conglomerate, has broken ground on the new facility in Chippenham.

The factory, announced last March, is expected to open in 2026 and will focus on producing "the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems" for the railway network.

The approximately 800 staff working at Siemens existing base in the town were expected to move to the new site when it opens.

Siemens will replace its current Chippenham factory with a state-of-the-art facility

Rob Morris, Joint Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Mobility said that the time had come for a new facility to be built that would reflect the needs of the modern railway network.

"We've reached a time where technology is moving on, and it's time to upgrade and create the right environment for our people, building on that heritage."

He added that while the company considered opening a new facility abroad, remaining in Chippenham made sense for a variety of reasons.

"We could have gone to different countries, but the capability is here, the loyalty is here and also the operational knowledge of the railway."

"I'm particularly excited at the opportunity that this investment will have, not just for those people who are moving over, but also the young engineers, the young apprentices that will have job opportunities here in the future."

Siemens employees Amber, Yasmin and Anna said that Siemens' continued investment in the town was "great news"

Investment 'hugely important'

Lord Peter Hendy, the Minister of State for Rail said that the new facility was "hugely important" for the future of Britain's railways.

"We're really pleased that Siemens are investing again in Chippenham to carry on their local connection, using all the skills and the knowledge that they've got and giving jobs to local people."

"What will be done here are ground-breaking 21st Century technologies, with the new generation of railway signalling first being applied on the main line up from Kings Cross towards the north."

"It will allow more trains and greater reliability on the railway."