Siemens Mobility to press ahead with new £100 million Chippenham factory

Siemens Mobility has received the green light to proceed with its £100 million investment in a new rail infrastructure, digital engineering, and research and development facility in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Construction is set to begin early next year, with British contractor Bowmer + Kirkland leading the project. Siemens has had plans to build the new factory for nearly five years but has had to revise its plans at the Southpoint Business Park after concerns regarding speed control in the area and the factory’s sustainability were raised by Wiltshire County Council.

However, Siemens Mobility has addressed these concerns, and the construction of the new factory can now go ahead.

"I am thrilled that construction will soon commence on this world-leading digital engineering and research and development facility," said Rob Morris, Joint UK&I CEO and Managing Director for Rail Infrastructure 1 at Siemens Mobility. "This upgrade will ensure that our Chippenham team continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of rail travel in Britain."

The company has a long history in the Wiltshire town, with signalling contractor Evans O’Donnell founding a factory at Siemens Mobility current Langley Park site in 1897. The site became part of Siemens Mobility in 2013.

However, a previous study had found that the current site was not “economically viable” when Siemens were exploring expansion on the current site.

Aswell as securing a future for the company in the town, the move is expected to maintain the company’s 800-strong workforce in the town as well as create new jobs.

Nick McQuaid, Regional Director for Bowmer + Kirkland, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the company's expertise in delivering high-quality and sustainable construction projects while engaging with local communities and businesses.

The new facility is expected to be operational by 2026.