Siemens Mobility's Rail Village in Goole, East Yorkshire, recently welcomed Member of Parliament for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, Lee Pitcher MP, to its Goole Rail Village. The visit provided an opportunity to see Siemens Mobility's investment of up to £240 million in the region, which will bring up to 1,000 direct jobs and around 1,700 across the supply chain. The facility is designed to significantly contribute to regional economic development, is already producing new Piccadilly line trains for London, with hopes to produce new Bakerloo line trains and battery bi-mode trains to transform rail travel for the UK.
Lee Pitcher MP, Member of Parliament for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, said:
“As the Member of Parliament for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, I welcome this investment in manufacturing and technology in our region. Siemens Mobility chose this area because our local workforce has dedication and skill. This facility offers benefits to my constituents. The creation of jobs, the commitment to local suppliers, and the work on battery bi-mode trains align with my support for net-zero and rail connectivity. This shows dedication to economic growth and a greener future for the people I represent."
During the tour, Lee Pitcher MP heard about the site's commitment to developing a diverse and skilled workforce, with more than 40 apprentices currently developing careers in manufacturing and engineering. Initiatives like Women in Manufacturing events promote gender diversity in STEM, complemented by various employee resource groups such as Disability, EmBRACE, Pride and Women’s Networks.
Mr Pitcher also took interest in Siemens Mobility’s plan where Siemens also intends to assemble future battery bi-mode train orders for the UK. These trains have the potential to eliminate the need for new diesel passenger trains, offering a solution for the UK’s extensive unelectrified routes in areas where it isn’t practical to electrify any time soon. This technology, already proven and operational in Germany, could save Britain £3.5 billion over 35 years and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 12 million tonnes. The Goole facility is already assembling 80% of the next generation of Piccadilly line trains where Siemens also intends to assemble future battery bi-mode train orders for the UK that would secure skilled jobs in East Yorkshire.
Niraj Sondhi, Commercial Director at Siemens Mobility, said:
"We were very pleased to host Lee Pitcher MP, the Member for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, at our Goole Rail Village. As a significant contributor to local employment throughout the region, offering jobs, apprenticeships, and training for local people, his visit underscored our shared commitment to boosting regional prosperity and transforming rail travel and transport”
The Rail Village comprises of a train manufacturing facility, components facility, logistics and distribution centre, with a brand-new bogie assembly and service centre currently in construction - embedding the site as a driver of skilled jobs and economic growth across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
