Siemens has marked a major manufacturing milestone at its Congleton factory after producing its ten millionth Sinamics product, following two decades of production and sustained investment in people and technology at the site.

The company has manufactured 10 million variable speed drives in Congleton over the last 20 years. Its Sinamics product line is used to control and power motors across a wide range of applications, from heating and ventilation systems to airport baggage handling.

The landmark comes as productivity at the factory has risen significantly. Daily output has almost quadrupled, from around 650 products in 2006 to nearly 2,400 today.

Siemens attributes the increase to ongoing investment in its local workforce alongside automation, digitalisation and industrial AI, as the company continues to modernise manufacturing at the long-established site.

Around 500 people are employed by Siemens in Congleton, where the factory is regarded as a blueprint for how skilled workforces and modern industrial technology can combine to improve productivity.

Technology deployed at the facility enables teams to monitor equipment in real time, predict faults and streamline operations, helping them to respond more quickly to potential problems and keep production running smoothly.

The ten million milestone also underlines the continued role of Congleton in UK manufacturing, with the factory combining its long industrial heritage with newer technologies and continued workforce development.

Rob Matthews, general plant manager at Siemens Congleton, said: “Reaching ten million units is a fantastic achievement for our Congleton team and a reflection of the skill and dedication of our local workforce.

“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.”

The milestone follows sustained investment by Siemens in both its manufacturing technology and the skills of the workforce, with automation, digitalisation and AI increasingly supporting production at the site.

Brian Holliday, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens UK and Ireland added: “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.”