Siemens Mobility has officially opened its new £6 million Multi-Functional Centre, marking a major investment in the UK rail sector and creating new jobs in Northampton.
The facility was formally opened by Northampton North Member of Parliament, Lucy Rigby.
The centre will enhance Siemens Mobility’s capability to deliver essential modifications and upgrades to passenger trains, improving comfort and reliability for travellers. Planned works include interior refurbishments such as upgraded seating, toilets, luggage stacks and charging ports.
The inaugural project will focus on East Midlands Railway’s Class 360 fleet, transforming passenger journeys with improved comfort and modern features. The investment also enables a mobile capability, allowing skilled technicians to deploy nationwide for on-site upgrades. Recent mobile projects include:
- Installation of Variable Rate Sanding technology to improve braking on slippery tracks.
- Upcoming upgrades to train data recorders (OTDR), enabling mobile connectivity for third-party fleets.
The centre’s construction achieved a 17% net biodiversity gain, including a wildflower garden and plans for additional tree planting, supporting Siemens Mobility’s DEGREE sustainability framework.
Joint CEO and Managing Director for Rolling Stock and Customer Services at Siemens Mobility, Sambit Banerjee, said:
“Our new Multi-Functional Centre at Kings Heath is the latest example of Siemens Mobility’s investment in the UK and another step forward for the rail industry. This £6 million investment expands our capacity to deliver vital upgrades for passenger trains and creates 30 additional jobs – all part of our mission to transform rail travel for passengers across the country.”
This investment forms part of Siemens Mobility’s £340 million commitment to the UK, including the £240m Rail Village in Goole, delivering next-generation Piccadilly line trains and future battery bi-mode trains, the £100m Rail Technology Centre in Chippenham, and the new logistics hubs in Kettering and Goole to reduce carbon emissions by cutting road miles.
Siemens Mobility’s latest investment reinforces its commitment to economic growth, innovation, and sustainability, while improving passenger experiences across the UK rail network.
Image credit: Siemens Mobility
