More jobs, faster tube journeys and regional growth will be delivered, the government says as the Transport Secretary opens a new £200 million rail manufacturing factory in Goole.
The new Siemens plant opened on October third is said to create up 700 jobs locally and support a further 1,700 in the wider supply chain.
Almost 100 new ‘state of the art’ Piccadilly Line trains will be manufactured at the new Siemens Hub.
Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh said the 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.
“I know how vital rail manufacturing is to our economy, which is why we will not sit on our hands when it comes to supporting it,” said Louise.
The announcement comes ahead of the government’s International Investment Summit, to drive forward its national mission for growth.
Government funding settlements with Transport for London (TfL) enabled the hub's creation.
Siemens Mobility also announced a further £40 million towards a new Bogie Assembly and Service Centre at the site, creating a further 200 jobs.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility said: “We’ll assemble 80% of London’s new Piccadilly line trains and all future Siemens trains for the UK including our Verve battery train here in Goole and I’m pleased that we are supporting the local supply chain in the process.
“Our further investment in the Bogie Assembly and Service Centre will only add to our ability to transform rail and transport for everyone, right here in Goole.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “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.”
The new Piccadilly Line trains are expected to start serving the London Underground network next year.