Siemens Mobility has officially inaugurated its new £200 million Goole Train Manufacturing Facility on October 3, 2024, promising to significantly impact the North of England's economy. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide up to 1,000 direct jobs, alongside another 1,700 anticipated positions within the wider supply chain. The event saw notable attendance from Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, who both emphasized the facility's potential benefits for the region.
Located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Goole Rail Village marks Siemens' substantial commitment to the UK's rail sector. The facility will not only assemble and maintain trains but will also serve as the logistics center for future projects. By 2030, it is projected to expand to serve global markets, enhancing Goole's significance as a key site for rail manufacturing.
"After more than a decade of tremendous dedication and hard work, we have officially opened our state-of-the-art Rail Village, which is a hallmark of our commitment to the North," said Siemens’ chief executive, reflecting on the long-term investment approach of the company. The facility, with operations set to include assembling 80% of the new Piccadilly Line trains, will also pioneer projects involving battery-powered trains for the UK market. This demonstrates Siemens Mobility's confidence to manufacture rolling stock locally, acknowledging previous criticisms of building abroad.
The recent investment aligns with Siemens’ existing £1.5 billion contract with Transport for London to supply new trains for the Piccadilly Line, with indications it may extend to other lines, such as the Bakerloo and Central. Anne Haigh remarked, "Its opening demonstrates the importance of high quality, long-term investment to pave the way for employment and growth," highlighting the facility's role not only for Goole but for the entire UK economy.
Siemens' commitment to the new Bogie Assembly and Service Centre, which will require additional investment, signifies its expansion plans. This center, set to create up to 200 additional jobs, will focus on the assembly and servicing of key train components, enhancing the company's capabilities within the UK.
Underpinning this move is the UK government’s strategy to end the unpredictable cycles of investment within rail manufacturing. By providing long-term funding security through before-mentioned arrangements with TfL, the aim is to shift the industry toward stability. Haigh noted how this facility will counterbalance the historically volatile nature of rail manufacturing investment, promoting sustainable growth.
Mayor Khan also pointed to the facility’s broader economic benefits. He stated, "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." His words underscored how investment decisions impact not just the local area but extend nationally, creating interconnections between regional successes and metropolitan hubs like London.
The government’s investment support strategy aims to inspire more major investment announcements during events like the upcoming International Investment Summit scheduled for October 14, which will attract potential investors and showcase Britain's industrial capabilities.
With the first new Piccadilly Line trains set to enter service next year, the focus is now on seamless integration and operational efficiency. Understanding the necessity for modernized transport options, both Siemens and government officials are eager to meet the demands of urban commuters who rely on efficient public transit systems.
Overall, the opening of the Siemens facility highlights its role as not only just another manufacturing site but as part of a broader narrative focused on enhancing the UK's rail infrastructure, securing jobs, and boosting the local economy for years to come. Siemens’ decision to centralize manufacturing operations within the UK resonates with aims to solidify local expertise and provide direct benefits to workers and communities alike.
