Siemens has announced that it is to invest £100m in a new facility in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

The new centre of manufacturing excellence facility in Chippenham will replace its current factory, which generations of workers have manufactured signalling systems.

The new centre is expected to open in 2026 and will employ around 800 workers transitioning from the old factory to the new without any interruption in production.

Siemens is expected to use local small and medium businesses in its supply chain, boosting the economy in Chippenham and the wider Wiltshire region.

Reactions

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.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt

This €115 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.

Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, Rob Morris

Our plan for attracting more inward investment into the UK is working. From the measures in our advanced manufacturing plan that offer certainty to investors, to promoting the UK at our Global Investment Summit, the Government is making sure that investors, like Siemens, choose the UK.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch

This vital investment will help futureproof our rail network as part of our plan to deliver more reliable journeys for millions of passengers across the country through important upgrades.

Rail manufacturing plays an important role in our economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs, with this new facility supporting hundreds more.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper