Siemens Mobility celebrated a remarkable family milestone as 91-year-old Miggie Orledge returned to its Chippenham facility for a special tour alongside her son, Kevin, a former employee and her grandson, Alex, a current team member. This visit reflects more than 125 years of manufacturing history and five generations of the Orledge family’s contributions to the site.
It also highlighted Siemens Mobility’s continued commitment to the UK rail industry, including ongoing work to replace its current site with a £100 million Rail Technology Centre in Chippenham.
Miggie Orledge began her career in 1965, working in semiconductors before moving to the signals and testing department, playing an important role in the company’s long-standing tradition of innovation and excellence in rail infrastructure. During the tour, she reconnected with former colleagues and watched her grandson, Alex, demonstrate his work in the pre-wire department, offering a firsthand look at how their technology has evolved since her retirement in 1994.
To commemorate the occasion, the team recreated a photograph from Miggie’s last day of work, bringing together both retired colleagues and current team members who were part of the original image. In a particularly heartfelt gesture, the granddaughter of one of Miggie’s former colleagues stepped in to represent her grandparent, symbolising the company’s enduring sense of community and connection.
Alex Orledge, IRSE Licensed Tester at Siemens Mobility, said: “I started here over ten years ago, so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to show my grandmother around. It is truly special knowing that the work we do in Chippenham helps transform passenger journeys for millions of people across the UK and around the world.”
Rosemary Camp, Head of Manufacturing, Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, said: “Our company is built on people and Miggie’s visit was a wonderful reminder of the generations who have helped shape our legacy. It’s important to us that we honour our history, while continuing to develop the next generation of rail infrastructure technology.”
The company’s Chippenham facility plays a key role in designing, manufacturing, and delivering signalling and control systems for major UK projects, including the East Coast Digital Programme, Elizabeth Line, North Wales Coast, Birmingham New Street and a number of global initiatives.
The new Siemens Rail Technology Centre, expected to be operational by 2026, will be strategically designed to meet the UK’s growing demand for advanced rail technology.
You can download B-roll footage and images from the visit below.
Media Contact
Winifred Orbih
Content and Collateral Manager
Email: winnie.orbih@siemens.com | Phone: 07921743094
