DEVIZES MP and Rail Minister Claire Perry visited Siemens Rail Automation’s offices in Chippenham today, meeting some of the company’s directors and staff and taking a tour of its facilities.

Ms Perry said: “A strong and successful rail industry has a vital role to play in providing better journeys for passengers.

"Siemens’ success in the UK is proof that our record investment in the rail network is not only transforming the passenger experience, it is also helping to boost business and create jobs and opportunity across the country.”

Paul Copeland, managing director of Siemens Rail Automation, said: “As one of the rail industry’s leading suppliers, we were delighted to welcome the minister to our site.

"It was a great opportunity to showcase our research and development, manufacturing and delivery capabilities at Chippenham and to discuss a number of our current and future projects and plans.

"We also spoke about our continued commitment to the recruitment and development of graduates and apprentices, and how we intend to further grow this vital resource, which is so crucial to the long-term future of the rail industry.”

The company's presence in the town can be traced back to 1903 and with modern signalling and train control systems central to delivering safe, reliable and efficient railways, Siemens says it is proud to be involved in many of the UK’s most high profile infrastructure projects. These include the recent redevelopment of Reading Station and opening of the new Borders Railway, as well as its continuing work on London’s Thameslink and Crossrail programmes.

It has 700 staff based in Chippenham, the site being home to the company’s 11,000 square metre manufacturing operation as well as some of its research and development, project delivery, engineering and commercial teams.

Siemens employs over 14,000 people in the UK, with 1,650 people working in the rail automation division from offices in Chippenham, London, Croydon, Poole, Birmingham, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Manchester, York, Glasgow and Newport. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk/rail