Construction work is to start early next year on industrial giant Siemens’ state-of-the-art £100m factory, which will make the West of England a global leader in railway engineering.
The Chippenham plant, pictured, which recently received planning consent from Wiltshire County Council, will employ around 800 skilled workers producing cutting-edge rail infrastructure and digital engineering along with research and development.
It will replace a factory on the same site that has produced signalling and control systems for much of the UK’s railway network since 1897.
The new facility, which is expected to open in 2026, will play a pivotal role in Siemens Mobility’s future projects to transform rail travel and transport in Britain by developing and building the next generation of conventional, digital rail signalling and control systems.
When the go-ahead for the plant was announced earlier this year, Siemens said it was expected be the “most modern signalling facility not just in Europe, but in the world”, with up to half the output destined for projects outside the UK.
The existing factory produces components for traffic control and signalling equipment, along with electronic components for digital train control technology.
Recent projects have included digital signalling technology for the Elizabeth, Victoria and Central lines on the London Underground.
The new plant is expected to also make components for rail electrification and telecom systems. It will open as around two-thirds of the UK’s railway signalling equipment will become outdated within less than a decade.
Derbyshire-headquartered contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, which has one of its eight offices in Bristol, is to start building the plant early next year.
Bowmer + Kirkland regional director Nick McQuaid said “Our vast experience in the delivery of high-quality buildings and our expertise in sustainable construction methods, community engagement and engagement with local SMEs wherever we build will ensure that this project provides a valuable legacy both locally and to the surrounding area.”
Siemens Mobility joint UK&I CEO and managing director for rail infrastructure Rob Morris added: “I’m really pleased that construction will soon begin on our world-leading digital engineering, and research and development facility.
“Our 800-strong Chippenham workforce has played a key role in the UK and this upgrade will help in sustaining local jobs and skills for future generations.
“For more than 125 years, Siemens Mobility has invested in Chippenham and is going to continue to transform rail travel in Britain for many years to come.”
