German technology company Siemens has invested £100 million in a new rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and research & development (R&D) centre in Chippenham.

The “state of the art” facility is expected to be operational by 2026 in line to meet growing demand in rail technology and will replace its current rail infrastructure centre in the area.

The transition, including the transfer of all local staff, totalling around 800, will not cause any interruption in production, Siemens says.

Rob Morris, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility in the UK & Ireland said: “This £100 million investment is a strong commitment to Chippenham and our country.

“Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham site, along with our 30 sites across the country, has been transforming rail travel and transport in Britain – and it will continue to do so with cloud-based rail technology connecting the real and the digital worlds, digitalising rail.

“We are very excited to soon start construction of one of the most sophisticated rail factories, digital engineering and R&D sites in the UK, supporting local jobs and skills for the future. There’s a piece of Britain in everything we build.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “This new commitment from Siemens is a big boost for Britain’s world-class manufacturing sector and shows our plan for the UK to be the best place to invest and grow a business is working.

“This digital technology will improve the safety, reliability and connectivity of our railways and drive sustainable opportunities in higher-paid jobs and exports – as part of our plan to grow our economy.”

The SouthPoint Business Park site will feature an office with the highest BREEAM excellence standard, meeting strict sustainability criteria evaluated on energy, water, waste, health, well-being, or materials.