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New UK rail factory officially opens – with Piccadilly Line trains first off production line

The Yorkshire facility run by German firm Siemens will construct four-in-five of the new rolling stock for the tube line

Piccadilly Line trains under construction in Yorkshire (credit Siemens)

A new £193million factory in Yorkshire has been officially launched as new Piccadilly Line trains are the first to roll off its production line.

Siemens Mobility celebrated the opening of its train manufacturing facility last week, as a key part of its new ‘Goole Rail Village’ near Hull.

Around four-in-five of London Underground’s new Piccadilly Line trains will be assembled at the factory before entering passenger service from 2025, with the remaining trains currently being built in Austria.

Siemens Mobility’s investment in the Yorkshire region will create up to 700 new jobs by 2030, the German company says.

Commenting on the investment, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “This impressive, world-class 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. For too long, the cycle of boom-and-bust has held back this sector. That’s why I am determined to put an end to the stop-start approach to investment and provide the industry with the certainty it needs to deliver a railway that is fit for the future.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the new factory was a “fantastic example” of how “investment in London” benefits the whole country. He added: “I’m excited to continue working together with the new government to build a better, fairer and more prosperous London, and country, for everyone.”

It’s now expected that the first new Piccadilly Line trains will be brought into service in around one year’s time. A series of engineering works have been taking place this year on the line to prepare for their arrival.

Karl Blaim, managing director and chief financial officer of Siemens Mobility, said: “Siemens Mobility has a proud history of over 180 years in the United Kingdom and has been transforming rail, travel, and transport in Britain. We have delivered every fourth passenger train in the UK, are pioneers in digital signaling technology and provide leading service solutions. Our dedicated team of 5,500 UK employees is committed to delivering top-quality transportation solutions, from Britain, for Britain.”


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