Siemens Mobility is nearing the finish line on its new train factory in Goole.
The factory, set to open this spring, will now assemble up to 80% of the new Piccadilly line Tube trains, exceeding the initial 50% target.
This expansion signifies a larger pipeline of work for the Goole facility, creating job security for the region. “This is a truly exciting milestone,” said Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility. “For the first time, we will assemble trains here in Britain, generating up to 700 jobs directly and supporting 1,700 more in the supply chain.”
The new factory is part of a £200 million investment in the Goole rail village, a hub for rail technology and innovation. Stuart Harvey, Chief Capital Officer at Transport for London (TfL), emphasised the project’s national impact.
He commented: “Producing more Piccadilly line trains in Goole will support local supply chains, clearly demonstrating how investment in transport in London benefits the whole of the UK. We have ensured that this development will not impact when the first train arrives for testing in London later this year, ahead of entering service in 2025, nor the planned timetable uplift in 2027.”
The first Piccadilly line train has already journeyed from Goole's sister factory in Vienna and undergone rigorous testing in Germany. After arriving in London this summer, TfL will conduct further tests before the trains start serving passengers in 2025.
These next-generation Tube trains offer a significant upgrade in passenger experience. Based on Siemens Mobility's Inspiro family, they boast walk-through, air-conditioned carriages, improved accessibility, and 10% increased capacity.
The Goole factory is equipped to assemble rolling stock for the entire UK market. Following the Piccadilly line project, the facility is poised to produce a replacement fleet for the Bakerloo line, currently the oldest in operation. However, this project hinges on TfL securing further government funding.
Alongside being a base for constructing rolling stock, Goole rail village also includes a components servicing facility, a materials and logistics warehouse, and the Rail Accelerator & Innovation Solutions Hub for Enterprise (Raise). This hub, already operational, serves as a breeding ground for innovation in rail technology.
Photo: Siemens
Video: Siemens
