DB ESG has opened its new Rail Technology Hub in Derby, establishing a centre of excellence dedicated to innovation, engineering, and collaboration across the UK rail industry.
Located near DB ESG’s existing offices at the RTC Business Park, the Rail Technology Hub represents a major investment in infrastructure designed to support the company’s growing customer base and expanding portfolio of sustainable, digital, and future-focused rail solutions.
“The Rail Technology Hub represents our commitment to staying at the forefront of rail innovation,” said Nick Goodhand, Managing Director at DB ESG. “It’s a strategic expansion that enables us to better serve our customers, collaborate with industry partners, and develop technologies that will shape the future of rail.”
A hub for digital, sustainable and collaborative engineering
Spanning over 18,000 square feet, the Rail Technology Hub will house DB ESG’s advanced Digital Engineering Laboratory, alongside dedicated engineering workspaces and a large workshop with mainline access and two inspection-pit roads.
The new facility reflects DB ESG’s rapid business growth and increasing customer demand across several specialist areas:
- Digital Engineering – Building on work that began in 2018 to apply 3D scanning and printing to reduce component obsolescence, the team has since produced thousands of parts for UK rail stakeholders. The new site includes an expanded Digital Engineering Laboratory, featuring additional 3D printers and workspace to increase production capacity.
- Project Services – With demand rising for spares management, modification equipment, turnkey installations and repairs, the Project Services team will use the new workshop to manage a wider range of projects and deliver faster turnaround times.
- Future Technologies – This team will continue developing sustainability-focused solutions, including hydrogen systems linked with carbon capture devices for internal combustion engines, and advanced data systems for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. The expanded space allows for testing, validation and collaborative research into emerging technologies.
- Battery Development – In partnership with Turntide Technologies, DB ESG is advancing the use of battery systems for rolling stock. The new hub will support the design, assembly, and testing of battery boxes aimed at improving energy storage and decarbonising the UK rail fleet.
- Customer Collaboration – The Rail Technology Hub will also serve as a collaborative environment for joint projects with key industry partners, providing space for co-creation, technical workshops and shared innovation programmes.
Driving the next generation of rail technology
By consolidating its engineering, digital, and research functions under one roof, DB ESG aims to strengthen its role as a key enabler of innovation within the UK rail industry. The Rail Technology Hub will facilitate the development of new materials, digital tools, and sustainable propulsion systems, supporting both efficiency improvements and environmental goals.
The new site also aligns with Derby’s growing reputation as a national centre for rail excellence, complementing local investment in rail research, manufacturing, and training.
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