Rail Minister visits Siemens in Chippenham

Speaking about her visit, Claire Perry said: “A strong and successful rail industry has a vital role to play in providing better journeys for passengers. Siemens’ success in the UK is proof that our record investment in the rail network is not only transforming the passenger experience, it is also helping to boost business and create jobs and opportunity across the country.”

Paul Copeland, Managing Director of Siemens Rail Automation, added: “As one of the rail industry’s leading suppliers, we were delighted to welcome the minister to our site. It was a great opportunity to showcase our research and development, manufacturing and delivery capabilities at Chippenham and to discuss a number of our current and future projects and plans. We also spoke about our continued commitment to the recruitment and development of graduates and apprentices, and how we intend to further grow this vital resource, which is so crucial to the long-term future of the rail industry.”

The company has a long and successful history in the industry and in Chippenham (its presence in the town can be traced back to 1903) and with modern signalling and train control systems central to delivering safe, reliable and efficient railways, Siemens is understandably proud to be involved in many of the UK’s most high profile infrastructure projects. These include the recent redevelopment of Reading Station and opening of the new Borders Railway, as well as its continuing work on London’s Thameslink and Crossrail programmes.

Some 700 staff are based in Chippenham, the site being home to the company’s 11,000 square metre manufacturing operation as well as some of its research and development, project delivery, engineering and commercial teams.

Siemens Rail Automation is a global leader in the design, supply, installation and commissioning of track-side and train-borne signalling and train control solutions. Its portfolio includes train control, interlocking systems, operations control systems, components, track vacancy detection, level-crossing protection, rail communications, cab radios, station systems and cargo automation for both passenger and freight rail operators.

Siemens employs over 14,000 people in the UK, with 1,650 people working in the Rail Automation division from offices in Chippenham, London, Croydon, Poole, Birmingham, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Manchester, York, Glasgow and Newport. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk/rail.

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About Siemens

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal year 2014, which ended on September 30, 2014, Siemens generated revenue from continuing operations of €71.9 billion and net income of €5.5 billion. At the end of September 2014, the company had around 357,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.