Building the future of Britain's railways...in Yorkshire

As I sit here writing this piece I’m watching snow fall outside. And I’m reminded of a day, not too long ago, when @SiemensMobility announced plans for a new #train #manufacturing plant in #Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire. The howling wind, snow and freezing conditions in no way distracted from the sense of pride people felt and today I’m feeling super proud again. 

My reason? We’ve announced that the main contract - worth ￡40m - to build our Goole facility (which is due to open in 2023) has been awarded. And not only that, but the successful company, GMI Construction Group, is from #Yorkshire, with all the people who will work on the project living within a 25-mile radius of Goole. 

A further ￡10m worth of contracts have also been let in this first phase. All of them based in the UK and many of them proud Yorkshire businesses. Step up C R Reynolds (enablement works), Clay 10 (site visuals) and Premier Modular (temporary offices). The #MadeinBritain ethos also extends to train components. The latest appointments include Yorkshire-based LPA Lighting for the interior train lighting, Midlands-based suppliers Baker Bellfield to supply cab partition walls and I M Kelly for driver seats. 

More than ever, in these strange pandemic-times, we want to be able to hear a little good news. Whilst the Government is naturally focused on winning the COVID-war, they are also mindful of the need for our economy to recover as quickly as possible and rebalancing and redistributing jobs, wealth and prosperity throughout the UK: #levellingup. 

The first trains to be manufactured in Goole will be for London Underground’s Piccadilly line and there are potential follow-on orders for Bakerloo, Central and Waterloo & City line trains. Could there be a better example of levelling up in action? @TransportforLondon (TfL) is committed to supporting the wider UK through its supply chain, showing how investing in the London transport network bolsters the nation economically.  

That chimes nicely with our own strategy. In total, Siemens Mobility works with around 3,000 suppliers, 47% of which are UK-based SMEs. And around 90% of Siemens Mobility Limited’s spend is with UK-based suppliers. 

It was also a key factor in the decision to award the contract to GMI - commitment to using local suppliers, emphasis on employment skills and education, as well as its outstanding record of project delivery were all major elements in the choice of the Leeds-firm over its competitors, some of which were international players. This focus has been clearly demonstrated by GMI already with some really great examples of selecting people for jobs who’ve previously been made redundant and their first apprentice (of six) already in place. 

Our goal more generally is to really put Goole on the map. We want to create more than just a rail manufacturing factory, this is about generating long-term investment, skills and jobs. There will be up to 700 direct jobs, with another 250 roles created during the construction phase and around 1,700 indirect supply chain opportunities. We also plan to create an associated rail supplier village and innovation centre with co-located suppliers making Goole a rail centre of excellence for the UK. 

As PM Boris Johnson said: “I am delighted to see the huge strides that have been made by Siemens Mobility since I visited their site in Goole last summer.

“As they develop the state-of-the-art rail facility, their commitment to invest in local suppliers – boosting jobs and unlocking growth in Yorkshire – is a fantastic example of how we can level up across the country and build back better from the pandemic.” 

So there we go. Levelling up in action. There’s plenty more information, including more information about the suppliers, on our webpage If you have time take a look. All of these companies are helping build the future of the UK’s #railways. That’s something to be proud of. #movingbeyond 

Goole infographic