Frimley, UK, 2015-May-14
Noting Siemens’ ongoing commitment to use its engineering capabilities to benefit wider society, the award assessors were particularly impressed by the company’s focus on increasing the uptake of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. Recent initiatives include: training ambassadors to visit schools to run workshops, building relationships with schools located near its train maintenance facilities around the UK and a partnership with London Transport Museum to sponsor its Inspire Engineering programme.
Additionally, Siemens Rail Systems has adopted the BS11000 collaborative business relationship standard, which promotes greater cooperation between companies. As part of this, the company has recently reviewed its supplier relationships process to ensure dedicated focus on long-term common goals to support end customers.
Nick Reynolds, Business Excellence Manager for Siemens Rail Systems in the UK, commented: “It’s great news that the EFQM assessors have noted the improvements we’ve made since our last assessment in 2013 and I’m delighted we’ve reached five star status.
“As a large and growing business it’s important that we take time to focus on continuous improvement. We can’t be complacent and rest on our laurels, we have to strive to do things better every day for the benefit of our customers, the people who work for us and the broader rail industry. The EFQM framework helps us do just that and is a core element of our ongoing and future success.”
Siemens Rail Systems currently has a fleet of over 370 trains that travel an impressive 65 million miles per year in passenger service for train operating companies UK-wide. The trains are maintained at purpose built depots by dedicated staff who not only have a rail industry background but who also come from industries such as Formula One, Yacht Racing and the Armed Services – ensuring the company has the optimum mix of the highest standard of skills. Over the next three years the organisation is set to more than double its fleet size, supplying Eurostar with its flagship new e320 trains and new Desiro City carriages, the UK’s first second generation trains, for Thameslink and South West Trains.
-Ends-
Contact for journalists:
Emma Whitaker, phone: +44 7921 246942
E-mail: emma.whitaker@siemens.com
Silke Thomson-Pottebohm, Phone: +44 7808 822780
E-mail: silke.thomson-pottebohm@siemens.com
A press picture is available at www.siemens.co.uk/presspictures
Further information and video case studies can be found on www.siemens.co.uk/apprenticeships
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemensuknews
Siemens plc
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 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.
1. EFQM Levels of Excellence
EFQM Levels of Excellence is Europe's leading recognition programme for high levels of organisational performance. It is suitable for all organisations, regardless of location, size or sector, and is based on the EFQM Excellence Model. With two levels of recognition, it can provide an organisation with a proven route to attaining the highest levels of performance: Committed to Excellence (C2E) is for organisations starting out on their journey towards excellence, while Recognised for Excellence (R4E) is designed to help organisations already well on their way to achieving sustainable excellence.
2. EFQM Excellence Model
The EFQM Excellence Model is a management framework used by over 30,000 organisations in Europe and beyond. Developed by EFQM, it is a practical, non-prescriptive framework that can enable an organisation to improve its performance and achieve sustainable success.
3. British Quality Foundation
Founded in 1993 by Government and leading UK businesses, the British Quality Foundation (BQF) is an independent, not-for-profit, corporate membership organisation. With over 500 members spanning the public, voluntary and private sectors, it is the community for every business seeking excellent insights, tools and experiences to improve itself.
As a Primary Partner of EFQM, the BQF is the only organisation able to provide their full range of products and services, based around the EFQM Excellence Model, in the UK. The BQF’s Patron is HRH The Princess Royal and current President is David Callaghan, Senior Vice President Alliances and Channels, Oracle Corporation Europe, Middle East and Africa.
4. More information
Please contact Amanda Allbright on 020 7654 5003 or amanda.allbright@bqf.org.uk
