Siemens Healthineers is set to establish a groundbreaking facility in North Oxfordshire dedicated to designing and manufacturing superconducting magnets for MRI patient scans worldwide. With a £250 million ($314 million) investment, the site will pioneer DryCool technology, significantly reducing helium usage in MRI scanners, thus enhancing sustainability and ease of installation. Construction has commenced on the 56,000m2 site, expected to generate over 1,300 skilled jobs. Scheduled to commence operations in 2026, the carbon-neutral facility will offer economic, infrastructural, and environmental advantages to the local community, reaffirming Siemens Healthineers’ longstanding commitment to manufacturing in Oxford.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the initiative, emphasizing its substantial local employment opportunities and global impact on healthcare innovation. Equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing automation, the facility will bolster Siemens Healthineers’ capacity to meet the rising global demand for MRI products amidst aging populations and increasing chronic diseases. Additionally, it will house a research and development hub focusing on pioneering technologies, including compact whole-body scanners.
As one of six Siemens Healthineers manufacturing sites in the UK, the new facility underscores the company’s significant technological presence across the nation. Expected to support over 1,300 jobs upon full operation, including the retention of over 600 positions from an existing Eynsham facility, the project will create opportunities for highly skilled professionals in physics, engineering, and technical roles. The transition is slated for completion by 2030, contingent upon product demand.
Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers, expressed pride in the Oxford facility’s role as the global hub for low-helium magnet technology, facilitating broader MRI accessibility while conserving natural resources. Supported by Tritax Symmetry, the facility prioritizes environmental sustainability and community welfare, with plans for carbon-neutral operation and various public benefits, including infrastructure enhancements and educational initiatives.
As part of its Oxfordshire expansion, Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology will bolster educational engagements with local schools, offering mentoring services and increasing apprenticeship opportunities. Additionally, the company supports the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, encouraging youth interest in STEM disciplines within the region.
