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Press Release06 November 2026Siemens MobilityMunich
Siemens opens new state-of-the-art rail infrastructure technology and innovation center in Chippenham
From right to left: The opening was attended by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander. Photo source: Siemens Mobility
“Siemens Mobility's
new rail technology centre is a real boost for Chippenham and a vote of
confidence in Britain's rail industry. The digital signaling produced on site
will help our railways become more reliable and safer, whilst strengthening our
skills base by supporting hundreds of local jobs and apprenticeships” commented
Heidi Alexander, UK Secretary of State for Transport.
„Our new Chippenham factory and innovation center is a
testament to our deep roots and long-term commitment to the UK, and our belief
in the talented workforce and innovation found here. For over a century, this
town has been a powerhouse of rail engineering. With our €115 million
investment, we are ensuring that Chippenham will lead the digital rail
revolution into the future for decades to come. We are proud to provide the
technology that transforms the everyday for millions of rail passengers, both here
in the United Kingdom and worldwide,”
said Michael Peter, President of
Siemens Mobility.
The new Siemens facility marks the next chapter for a
historic rail hub that dates back to 1897. Originally established by Evans
O’Donnell and later the headquarters of the Westinghouse Brake & Signaling
Company, Chippenham has been a global center of excellence for over a century,
delivering critical technology for iconic projects like London’s Elizabeth,
Victoria, and Central lines. This legacy of innovation is now being carried
forward into a world-class, sustainable environment at SouthPoint Business
Park. Built to the BREEAM 'Excellent' standard, the new site features
energy-efficient offices and production areas designed to blend with their
surroundings, including a 10% net increase in biodiversity through native
planting. This modern, collaborative workspace enables Siemens to scale the
production of advanced systems, such as computer-based interlockings and the
European Train Control System (ETCS), ensuring that Chippenham remains at the
heart of the UK’s digital rail revolution.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham (pictured) and UK Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander official open rail infrastructure facility. Photo source: Siemens Mobility DE: Britischer Premierminister Andy Burnham (im Foto) und die britische Verkehrsministerin Heidi Alexander eröffnen offiziell den neuen Standort für Bahninfrastruktur. Fotoquelle: Siemens Mobility
Primary-age children
get the first look at the new rail factory
To celebrate the opening of the new facility, Siemens hosted
a hands-on STEM lesson for local pupils, which was broadcast to more than 1,000
children nationwide. The session was delivered by British award-winning
children’s presenter Maddie Moate.
The event reflects a growing national focus on employers introducing
children to the world of work from primary school age onwards. Last year,
Siemens UK&I welcomed 326 apprentices, graduates, and interns into the
business, and through the National Training Academy for Rail, has trained more
than 28,000 people
Last year,
our education and skills activities reached more than 600,000 students,
teachers and members of the community and supported over 2,800 schools across
the country. Almost 13,000 people also took part in our virtual work experience
offer, helping us reach young people from a much broader range of backgrounds.
Siemens Mobility in the
United Kingdom
Siemens is a cornerstone of the UK’s transport sector,
employing approximately 5,000 people nationwide. The opening of the new
Chippenham factory and innovation center is part of a wider investment strategy
in the United Kingdom, which includes the new €230 million rail village in
Goole and a comprehensive network of maintenance depots. By combining over a
century of local heritage with world-class digital innovation, Siemens Mobility
remains a key partner in driving the UK’s industrial strategy and shaping a
smarter, more sustainable future for the country’s infrastructure.
For this press release
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility