The UK’s rail manufacturing sector has received a significant boost as Transport Secretary Louise Haigh officially opened a state-of-the-art £200M Siemens rail factory in Goole. The facility is set to create 700 high-skilled jobs, delivering new, more efficient trains and stimulating regional economic growth.
The new factory will be responsible for producing nearly 100 Piccadilly Line trains, set to provide faster, more reliable, and accessible journeys for London commuters. This project, supported by government funding for Transport for London (TfL), highlights a key public-private collaboration aimed at transforming the UK’s transport infrastructure.
During the opening ceremony, Siemens Mobility also announced plans to invest an additional £40M in a Bogie Assembly and Service Centre, creating up to 200 more jobs and further reinforcing the site’s role as a major rail manufacturing hub in the North of England.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh praised the project, saying: “This world-class facility will be transformational for Goole, driving economic growth and supporting hundreds of skilled jobs. We’re ending the boom-and-bust cycle in rail manufacturing with long-term investments that pave the way for a better future.”
The factory will assemble 80% of London’s new Piccadilly Line trains, as well as Siemens’ future UK projects, including its Verve battery train, making the Goole site a crucial part of the UK’s rail innovation and supply chain.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility, expressed his pride in the project, highlighting the dedication of the Goole workforce: “After years of hard work, our Rail Village in Goole is now a reality. This investment not only transforms rail for the UK but also reinforces our commitment to the local economy by supporting the supply chain and creating jobs.”
This major investment is expected to benefit both local and national economies, showcasing how infrastructure projects can drive growth and opportunity across the country.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: “This factory is a brilliant example of how investment in London benefits the whole UK. With up to 900 jobs at this site and 1,700 more in the supply chain, it’s clear that when London succeeds, the entire country thrives.”
The new Piccadilly Line trains are set to be operational by next year, offering passengers enhanced comfort with air conditioning, improved accessibility, and increased capacity, marking a significant improvement for London’s underground network.
This development underscores the government’s focus on delivering infrastructure fit for the future while supporting job creation and economic growth in the regions.
If you would like to read more stories like this, then please click here
