Siemens Healthineers Unveils Plans for £250m MRI Facility in the UK

Siemens Healthineers has unveiled plans for a cutting-edge facility in North Oxfordshire dedicated to designing and manufacturing superconducting magnets utilized in MRI scans worldwide. With a staggering investment of £250 million ($314 million), the establishment will pioneer innovative technology aimed at reducing helium usage, thereby rendering scanners lighter, easier to install, and more environmentally sustainable. Construction has commenced on the expansive 56,000m2 site, poised to generate over 1,300 skilled employment opportunities. Marking the UK's inaugural major production hub for Siemens Healthineers' groundbreaking DryCool technology, the facility will slash helium consumption in MRI scanners from 1,500 liters to less than a single liter. Anticipated to be operationally carbon-neutral upon its slated inauguration in 2026, the new site promises a plethora of economic, infrastructural, and ecological advantages to the local community, reaffirming the company's enduring commitment to manufacturing excellence in the Oxford region.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am thrilled that Siemens Healthineers has selected Oxfordshire as the location for its latest facility, bolstering the area with over 1,300 skilled positions and further solidifying its reputation as a leader in healthcare and research and development. Beyond the significant local advantages, this state-of-the-art establishment offers an avenue to elevate patient care on a global scale, showcasing how British innovation is positively impacting lives worldwide."

Equipped with advanced manufacturing automation technology, Siemens Healthineers is poised to augment its capacity significantly, addressing the escalating global need for MRI products amid aging populations and increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. The forthcoming factory will incorporate a research and development center dedicated to pioneering new technologies, including the creation and production of ultra-compact, lightweight whole-body scanners, set to revolutionize medical imaging.

As one of Siemens Healthineers' six existing and planned manufacturing facilities in the UK, the forthcoming site highlights the company's substantial technological presence throughout the nation. Upon reaching full operational capacity, it is projected to sustain over 1,300 positions, including the retention of more than 600 jobs currently based at an established Siemens Healthineers site in Eynsham, Oxfordshire. These roles encompass a spectrum of highly skilled professions, ranging from physicists and engineers to technicians and specialized support personnel. Additionally, the construction phase will provide employment opportunities. The phased transition is anticipated to conclude by 2030, contingent upon fluctuating demand for the products manufactured at the site.

"MRI technology is pivotal in disease diagnosis, facilitating patient wellness and longevity. As a forefront entity in medical imaging, we take immense pride in embarking on the next phase of our journey in Oxford," stated Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers. "This facility will serve as the worldwide hub for our revolutionary low-helium magnet technology, reducing our reliance on a finite natural resource and broadening MRI accessibility for countless patients."

Backed by developer Tritax Symmetry, the structure is meticulously crafted to operate in a carbon-neutral manner, prioritizing the welfare of both the community and the environment. Strategies are devised to curtail energy consumption and enhance overall health and well-being. Apart from job creation, the project extends public advantages encompassing financial injections into the local economy, enhancements to the nearby road infrastructure, and environmental gains such as increased biodiversity. Additionally, support is pledged for local amenities including bus routes, footpaths, and cycle paths.

As Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology embarks on its expansion journey in Oxfordshire, it is reaffirming its dedication to local education initiatives. This encompasses offering mentoring programs to students in nearby schools and augmenting apprenticeship opportunities by twenty-five percent over a span of three years. Furthermore, the company serves as a primary supporter of the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, encouraging youth engagement and exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines within the region.