Siemens UK Rail: Northampton Centre Boosts Passenger Upgrades & Jobs

Introduction

Siemens Mobility has inaugurated its new GBP 6 million Multi-Functional Centre at Kings Heath Depot in Northampton, creating over 30 jobs and expanding its UK maintenance and modernization capabilities.

Facility Overview

The newly opened facility will support essential modifications and upgrades to passenger trains throughout the UK. It features dedicated workshop capacity and a mobile team for on-site enhancements. This investment is part of Siemens Mobility’s broader plan to expand its UK presence and improve the rail sector’s technical capabilities.

Official Opening and Economic Impact

Lucy Rigby KC MP, Member of Parliament for Northampton North, officially opened the new center, acknowledging its contribution to local employment and skills. She highlighted the investment’s role in fostering economic growth and creating new jobs in Northampton.

Project Scope and Services

Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO and Managing Director for Rolling Stock and Customer Services, stated that the Kings Heath facility supports the UK’s evolving rail fleet. The center will handle modernization projects like interior refurbishments, seating improvements, accessible toilet upgrades, luggage area enhancements, and the installation of power and charging facilities. The initial project will focus on East Midlands Railway’s Class 360 units to enhance passenger comfort and reliability.

Mobile Capabilities and Technology Upgrades

In addition to depot-based work, the investment enhances Siemens Mobility’s mobile capabilities, allowing engineering teams to perform modification programs at operator depots. The team recently completed the first-in-class installation of Variable Rate Sanding technology on a third-party fleet. The next mobile project will focus on upgrading On-Train Data Recorders (OTDR) to enable mobile connectivity, improving reliability and data availability across additional fleets.

Sustainability and Future Investments

Construction of the Multi-Functional Centre resulted in a 17% net gain in biodiversity through new landscaping and habitat improvements. Siemens Mobility plans to plant additional trees in early winter as part of its sustainability strategy under the DEGREE framework. The Northampton investment is part of Siemens Mobility’s long-term plan to expand its UK rail manufacturing, servicing, and technology capabilities. In recent years, the company has committed approximately GBP 340 million to new facilities.

Conclusion

Siemens Mobility’s new Multi-Functional Centre in Northampton, representing a GBP 6 million investment, will support passenger train upgrades and create jobs, alongside enhancing the company’s mobile capabilities and contributing to biodiversity.

Company Summary

Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility has opened its new GBP 6 million Multi-Functional Centre at Kings Heath Depot in Northampton, strengthening its UK maintenance and modernisation capabilities while creating more than 30 local jobs.