Prime Minister Boris Johnson today (6 July) marked the start of construction at Siemens Mobility Limited’s new rail manufacturing facility in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire.
Mr Johnson visited the site, meeting senior Siemens Mobility leaders including UK CEO William Wilson, construction workers and new apprentices, to formally celebrate the milestone – a significant step forward for, and investment in, UK rail manufacturing.
The first phase of the development is due to open in 2023. It will create up to 700 direct jobs, with a further 250 roles created during the construction phase and an additional 1,700 indirect supply chain opportunities.
When complete, the state-of-the-art factory will manufacture and commission trains – the first of which will be new Tube trains for London’s Piccadilly line with plans for additional train manufacture in the future. This could include additional vehicles for the Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City line Tube trains, plus mainline suburban and intercity trains.
Speaking about the visit, Mr Johnson said: “I’m very proud to be here at Goole today where Siemens Mobility will be building the trains of the future, and generating 700 new jobs in the process. I’m thrilled the factory will also be building the new Piccadilly Line trains which I commissioned when I was mayor of London.
It’s going to be a European centre for excellence for rail technology right here in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
I want to thank Siemens Mobility, Mace and CR Reynolds for keeping going throughout Covid-19. It is an excellent example of the can do spirit that we need to drive our economy and bounce forward.“
His sentiments were echoed by William Wilson CEO of Siemens Mobility Limited, who added: “We are delighted that the Prime Minister has been able to join us today to highlight the importance of Siemens’ contribution to the UK economy and the significance of our Goole facility both locally and for UK manufacturing.
“This pioneering development means we’re creating local jobs and building world class trains for Britain’s rail network – all of which will be supported by the UK’s manufacturing supply chain.”
In addition to the rail manufacturing facility, the Goole development will encompass a research and development and digital innovation cluster serving the UK rail sector with key industry suppliers also co-located on site. This will create a clear focus on the creation and implementation of intelligent rail infrastructure for the UK.
Construction company C R Reynolds has been appointed by Siemens Mobility to commence enabling works on-site. The selection of the final build partner is expected later this year.
In addition, as part of its commitment to creating a fresh pipeline of talent for the UK rail sector, Siemens Mobility has engaged Selby College as local training provider, with the first 12 apprentices due to begin their three-year programme in September.
