Siemens Mobility was pleased to host Sarah Gibson, Member of Parliament for Chippenham, at its digital engineering, manufacturing and research and development facility in Wiltshire. As part of her engagement with local industry and infrastructure, Ms Gibson gained an in-depth understanding of Siemens Mobility's latest advancements in digital rail technology and the company's significant investment in local talent.
Hosted by Matt Kent, Director of Operations and Manufacturing, Ms Gibson toured the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) test lab where Siemens Mobility is advancing its digital signalling capabilities also known as European Train Control Systems (ETCS). This technology has already been deployed on the Northern City Line and is being integrated on the East Coast Mainline to increase capacity, reliability and sustainability across the network. Currently, 50–60% of Chippenham’s factory output supports UK signalling projects, underlining the site’s critical role in modernising the future of Britain’s rail infrastructure.
Matt Kent, Director of Operations and Manufacturing, Siemens Mobility UK&I, said:
"It was a privilege to welcome Sarah Gibson MP to our Chippenham facility. We are immensely proud of the innovative digital signalling technology developed here, which will help transform rail travel and transport on the network into one passengers can depend on. Equally, our investment in young talent through apprenticeship programmes is vital to our long-term success and the future of the rail industry."
Ms Gibson also visited Siemens Mobility’s manufacturing facilities, which have been developing and producing rail technology in Chippenham since 1897. She then had the opportunity to meet with local apprentices and young professionals from the Entry Level Talent (ELT) programme, where she learned first-hand about their diverse projects, contributions to the rail industry, and aspirations for the future.
Sarah Gibson, MP for Chippenham, said:
"It is fantastic to see this level of innovation happening right here in Chippenham. The technology being developed locally is making a real contribution to the modernisation of Britain’s rail network. Siemens Mobility's commitment to developing local talent, coupled with their £100 million investment in the new Rail Technology Centre just outside the town, deserves real recognition. I look forward to visiting the new facility when it opens."
Siemens Mobility is investing £100 million into a digital engineering, manufacturing and research and development facility, called the Rail Technology Centre that will replace the current site in the later half of 2026, solidifying a significant vote of confidence in UK rail innovation and the skilled workforce in the region. The new facility will support the continued rollout of digital signalling technology across the national rail network, positioning the UK at the forefront of railway modernisation.
