"Hillside is an important part of KiwiRail and I want to get to understand the operations."
It is thought Mr English is the first National Party cabinet minister to visit Hillside for at least 27 years.
The workshops have been a favourite visiting site for Labour ministers and MPs.
Last month, Mr English announced the Government would spend nearly $50 million through KiwiRail on building new carriages for the Tranz Scenic passenger routes.
The work would be completed by KiwiRail's Hillside workshop starting in January next year.
The work was expected to maintain workshop jobs and provide work for hundreds of suppliers.
In an interview yesterday, Mr English said the thing that struck him during his visit was to hear how the workshops had been through 10 years of change, and were now going out and competing successfully with overseas suppliers.
"That represents real opportunities for Hillside in Dunedin."
The minister was also impressed with the input of staff, the union and management in coming up with new ideas and being prepared to back themselves in competing for work.
Hillside site manager Kevin Kearney said Hillside was always ready and willing to build for the rail industry.
"It's important for us to ensure that people know what we can do," he said.
Yesterday, Labour Party leader Phil Goff also toured Hillside.
Mr Kearney said Hillside was historically seen as having "older-style workshops", and having senior politicians visit helped to change that image.
He agreed with Mr English that having staff contribute to ideas for development was essential and it was something that was encouraged.
"I am sure there are a lot more ideas there," he said.
Also visiting Hillside yesterday was KiwiRail chairman and former National prime minister Jim Bolger.
Hillside sources believed Mr Bolger was the last National Party MP to visit the workshops when he was leader of the opposition before the 1990 election.
The Otago Daily Times can recall former finance minister Sir William Birch visiting the workshops about 20 years ago with National Party candidates although he was not a minister at the time.
