Siemens Chippenham factory could be 'best in the world'

That is the belief of Siemens Mobility, which broke ground on its new Chippenham factory and research and production facility at Southpoint Business Park on Friday, April 4.

Construction is underway to build the “cutting-edge” development, which will be at the heart of major railway infrastructure projects across the UK.

Rob Morris, joint CEO of Siemens, believes the investment “reaffirms” Siemens’ long-term commitment to the town.

He said: “It will be world class, we’re determined it’s going to be the centre of research and development, the best in the world.

“It’s a really exciting time for Chippenham, the people here have been so loyal so for us it was a dead easy decision to stay, the people are here, the skills are here, and the future is here.

“It will bring opportunity, we currently employ around 800 people who will be transferred here, but it will also encourage the engineers and bright minds of the future to the area.”

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The construction site (Image: Newsquest) Minister of State for Rail, Lord Peter Hendy, told this paper the investment will be a boost for rail infrastructure across the UK, but will also guarantee jobs in Chippenham.

He added: “This is brilliant, it’s a company that has been in Chippenham for 130 years building a brand new site and promising to continue its business into the long-term future.

“It’s great for the railway and it’s great for the town because the people who live and work here are guaranteed employment for a long time.

“They’ve got a strong consistent business, and we really welcome this investment.”

Siemens expects to move into its new home by the time the lease on its current base in Langley Park ends in 2026.

Mr Morris explained the decision was made to relocate to a more modern facility that would allow the company to grow without leaving the town.

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The planned factory (Image: AHR) He added: “We’ve got a facility just down the road that has been operational since 1897 and served the people of Chippenham really well.

“However, it is old and we are now developing 21st century technology to put on our railways and even beyond that using ingenuity in Chippenham.

“So it seemed only right that we now invest in a modern facility that gives the right environment and tools for future railways building on the heritage we’ve already got.”

Many employees were present at the groundbreaking event and spoke of their excitement about the move.

Alex, whose family has worked at Siemens’ Langley Park site for five generations, explained how the firm has become part of the town for families like theirs.

He added: “When I joined Siemens Mobility in 2012 it certainly felt like I was carrying on that legacy.

“It’s reassuring to know that we are not leaving that behind and Siemens Mobility is staying here in Chippenham and building somewhere to allow us to continue railway innovation for many generations to come.”

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The construction site (Image: Newsquest) Siemens recently announced it had secured £560 million worth of HS2 contracts and that its Chippenham factory would play a key role in delivering these.

Once complete, the firm has promised the development will provide a rail infrastructure, digital engineering, and research and development facility.

Work initially started on site earlier this year, after planning permission was granted by Wiltshire Council.

This involved clearing the land for construction ahead of major works starting at the site.

The Southpoint Business Park contains three other plots of land that could be filled by other industrial developments.