Siemens Mobility was pleased to host Catherine Atkinson, Member of Parliament for Derby North, at its state-of-the-art facility in Derby. As part of her engagement with the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT), Ms. Atkinson gained an in-depth understanding of Siemens Mobility's latest advancements in rail technology and the company's significant investment in local talent development. During her visit, she was hosted by Rob Morris, Joint UK&I CEO and Managing Director for Rail Infrastructure and Software, and Matt Kent, Director of Operations and Manufacturing, who showcased pioneering technologies such as their advanced traffic management system, Digital Conflict Resolution (DCR).
Rob Morris, Joint UK &I CEO and Managing Director for Rail Infrastructure and Software, said:
“It was a privilege to welcome Catherine Atkinson to our Derby facility. Her continued engagement underscores the vital role that innovation and skilled talent play in the future of UK rail.
“Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers through our apprenticeship programmes is unwavering, and they are integral to our success.
“We are also immensely proud of our cutting-edge solutions, such as DCR, that our teams are developing in Derby to transform rail travel and transport for passengers through a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable railway.”
DCR is a transformative advanced traffic management system that monitors the rail network in real-time, proactively predicting and resolving potential conflicts before they escalate allowing for a smooth operational timetable with minimal disruptions. This innovative technology significantly reduces delays, enhances reliability, and improves overall network efficiency. Engineers at the Derby facility are at the forefront of integrating DCR into critical rail control centres, including York and Peterborough, where it is already operational as part of the East Coast Digital Programme and has reduced platform wait times by 20%.
A key highlight of the visit was MP Atkinson’s engagement with Siemens Mobility’s apprentices. Ms. Atkinson had the opportunity to meet with them and learn firsthand about their diverse projects, their contributions to the rail industry, and their aspirations for the future.
Catherine Atkinson, Member of Parliament for Derby North, said following the visit:
“I was incredibly impressed by my visit to Siemens Mobility’s Derby facility. It’s inspiring to see such advanced technology being developed right here in Derby, contributing significantly to the modernisation of our national rail infrastructure.
“The commitment Siemens Mobility shows to local job creation and skills development, particularly through their excellent apprenticeship and graduate schemes, is commendable.
“Meeting the apprentices and hearing about their experiences reinforced the importance of investing in our local young people and providing them with opportunities to build successful careers in vital industries like rail.”
This year, the company has employed 186 apprentices and degree apprentices across its UK operations through its Entry Level Talent (ELT) programme, with six currently based at the Derby facility.