Siemens’ £200 Million Rail Manufacturing Plant Opens in Goole, Boosting Regional Growth, Tourism and Jobs

Published on October 3, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Hundreds of high-skilled jobs and faster rail services are set to revolutionize Britain’s transport sector with the official opening of Siemens Mobility’s Rail Village in Goole. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh attended the inauguration of the £200 million rail manufacturing facility on 3 October 2024, marking a significant milestone in Britain’s rail infrastructure development and regional economic growth.

This state-of-the-art plant, which is expected to assemble and manufacture nearly 100 new Piccadilly Line trains, is poised to deliver faster and more reliable London Underground services starting next year. As part of a larger commitment to rebuild Britain’s railways, the Rail Village in Goole will not only meet the transport needs of one of the world’s busiest subway systems but also help end the “boom-and-bust” approach to rail manufacturing by delivering a long-term industrial strategy for rolling stock.

The plant is a testament to Siemens’ commitment to the North of England, creating hundreds of jobs in the region and investing in the long-term development of the UK rail sector. Siemens Mobility has also announced an additional £40 million investment towards a Bogie Assembly and Service Centre, further boosting employment with 200 extra jobs.

Transforming Regional Growth: Siemens Rail Village’s Economic Impact

Siemens’ investment in Goole is part of a larger effort to stimulate regional growth by providing employment and nurturing the local supply chain. At full capacity, the Goole plant will generate up to 900 direct jobs and support another 1,700 jobs in the supply chain. This will be a major driver for the local economy, ensuring that the benefits of investment in London’s transport network ripple across the entire UK.

Speaking at the event, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh praised the development:
“This impressive, world-class facility will be transformational to Goole and its people, providing a boost to the region’s economy and supporting hundreds of skilled jobs. Its opening demonstrates the importance of high-quality, long-term investment to pave the way for employment and growth.”

Haigh emphasized the government’s commitment to ending the boom-and-bust cycle that has historically plagued the UK rail manufacturing industry. By establishing this plant, Siemens and the government are ensuring sustained growth and development in the sector, creating the stability that manufacturers and workers need to thrive.

Building the New Piccadilly Line Trains: What to Expect for Londoners

The new Piccadilly Line trains that will be manufactured at Siemens’ Goole facility represent a major upgrade for London Underground passengers. Set to begin service on the Piccadilly Line next year, these trains will deliver improved reliability, increased capacity, and a more comfortable journey for commuters and tourists alike. With fully air-conditioned carriages and enhanced accessibility features, the new trains will transform the experience for passengers, making journeys smoother and more efficient.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, highlighted the positive nationwide impact of this investment:
“This train manufacturing facility in Goole is a fantastic example of the expertise we don’t have and how investment in London benefits the whole country. This factory, where the new state-of-the-art Piccadilly line trains will be built, will create up to 900 direct jobs and support another 1,700 in the supply chain, delivering great benefits to the wider UK economy.”

Khan noted the importance of London’s success in driving broader national prosperity, showcasing how infrastructure investments in the capital have the power to create jobs and fuel growth across the UK.

Future of Rail Manufacturing: Ending the Boom-and-Bust Cycle

One of the key goals for the new Rail Village is to end the stop-start approach that has often undermined the UK rail manufacturing industry. The government, under Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s leadership, is determined to provide long-term certainty to the industry, ensuring that manufacturers like Siemens have the confidence to invest in facilities like the Goole Rail Village.

This long-term strategy is critical for ensuring that the UK can deliver on its ambitious infrastructure and connectivity goals. As Haigh explained, the goal is to “rebuild the railways” in a way that supports sustained growth and provides opportunities for economic expansion.

Haigh added:
“For too long, the cycle of boom-and-bust has held back this sector. That’s why I am determined to put an end to the stop-start approach to investment and provide the industry with the certainty it needs to deliver a railway that is fit for the future.”

The new strategy will see a steady flow of work and investment into the rail manufacturing sector, enabling companies like Siemens to create a more sustainable model for delivering rolling stock.

Additional Investment: Siemens’ Commitment to the Future

In addition to the £200 million investment in the Goole Rail Village, Siemens Mobility announced plans to inject a further £40 million into the facility. This additional investment will fund the construction of a new Bogie Assembly and Service Centre, creating up to 200 new jobs and further cementing Goole’s role as a key hub for UK rail manufacturing.

Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility, reflected on the hard work that led to this milestone:
“After more than a decade of tremendous dedication and hard work, we have officially opened our state-of-the-art Rail Village in Goole, which is testament to our commitment to the North of England.”

He added that Siemens will not only assemble 80% of London’s new Piccadilly line trains at Goole but will also manufacture all future Siemens trains for the UK, including the innovative Verve battery train. This commitment reflects Siemens’ confidence in the UK market and its role in shaping the future of rail transport.

Government’s Commitment to Infrastructure and Growth

The opening of Siemens’ Goole Rail Village comes at a time when the UK government is ramping up efforts to attract international investment and promote long-term economic growth. The event serves as a precursor to the government’s International Investment Summit, scheduled for 14 October 2024, which will bring together some of the world’s most influential business leaders and investors.

The summit will provide the Prime Minister and Cabinet with the opportunity to outline how the government plans to create a stable and attractive business environment for investors, ensuring that Britain remains a top destination for global investment.

The government’s focus on infrastructure development, particularly in regions like Goole, is a cornerstone of this strategy. By creating the conditions for sustained growth in key industries, including rail manufacturing, the UK aims to provide certainty and stability to businesses looking to invest in the country.

Conclusion: A New Era for UK Rail Manufacturing

The opening of Siemens’ Rail Village in Goole represents a major turning point for the UK rail industry, signaling a new era of sustained growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. As the new Piccadilly Line trains are set to hit the tracks in London next year, the investment in Goole will continue to deliver benefits for years to come.

With the UK government’s commitment to providing long-term investment in the rail sector and Siemens’ ongoing dedication to innovation, the future looks bright for British rail manufacturing and the wider economy.