Siemens’ Congleton factory has produced its 10 millionth Sinamics variable speed drive, marking a major manufacturing milestone as the site continues to increase productivity through investment in technology and skills.
The Cheshire facility has manufactured the drives for 20 years, with the products used to control and power motors across applications including heating and ventilation systems and airport baggage handling.
The site currently employs around 500 people and has significantly increased its production capacity in recent years.
Daily output has risen from around 650 products in 2006 to almost 2,400 today – an increase of almost four times.
Siemens attributes the increase to sustained investment in automation, digitalisation and industrial artificial intelligence, alongside the development of its workforce.
The technologies allow the factory to monitor equipment in real time, identify potential faults before they occur and streamline production processes.
This enables teams to respond more quickly to issues and keep production running efficiently, while providing greater visibility across the manufacturing operation.
The Congleton site is being positioned by Siemens as an example of how technology and people can work together to improve productivity in an established manufacturing environment.
Rob Matthews, General Plant Manager at Siemens Congleton, said reaching the 10 million-unit milestone was a significant achievement for the site.
“Reaching ten million units is a fantastic achievement for our Congleton team and a reflection of the skill and dedication of our local workforce,” he said.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the town’s proud manufacturing heritage, which stretches back to the first industrial revolution. We continue to evolve – pioneering new technologies and continuous upskilling of our team here helps us to remain at the forefront of modern manufacturing.
“This milestone shows what’s possible when you combine innovation with a highly skilled team right here in Congleton.”
Investing in people and technology
The productivity gains at Congleton demonstrate the potential for established UK manufacturing facilities to increase output without relying solely on additional headcount.
Automation and digital technologies have become increasingly important to manufacturers seeking to improve efficiency, particularly as businesses face pressure from rising costs and skills shortages.
At Congleton, Siemens is using technology to provide its workforce with greater insight into the performance of equipment and production processes.
Real-time monitoring and predictive technologies can identify potential problems before they result in significant disruption, while industrial AI can help teams make faster and more informed decisions.
The approach also forms part of a wider focus on developing the skills required to operate increasingly digital manufacturing environments.
For Siemens, the 10 millionth Sinamics product is therefore not simply a production milestone, but an illustration of how investment in technology and people can transform the performance of an existing factory.
Brian Holliday, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens UK and Ireland, said the achievement demonstrated what could be delivered through consistent investment.
“Congratulations to Rob and the team at Congleton, producing ten million Sinamics components is a remarkable achievement and a powerful example of what UK manufacturing can deliver when you invest consistently in both people and technology,” he said.
The milestone also highlights the continued importance of the Congleton facility to Siemens’ wider manufacturing operations.
The factory’s Sinamics products are used in a broad range of industrial and infrastructure applications, meaning the components manufactured in Cheshire ultimately support operations well beyond the factory itself.
For the UK’s manufacturing sector, the site’s progress offers an example of how established facilities can continue to evolve rather than simply relying on traditional production methods.
By combining automation and digitalisation with workforce development, Siemens has increased daily production to almost 2,400 units while maintaining the skills and expertise of its local workforce.
As manufacturers across the UK look for ways to increase productivity and competitiveness, Congleton demonstrates how long-term investment in technology can deliver significant gains – while keeping people at the centre of the manufacturing process.
For more stories like this visit our Innovation section
