Somerset Council has confirmed plans to house a multi-billion-pound electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility operated by global battery business, Agratas, which is owned by Tata Technologies.
Tata, which owns popular brand Jaguar Land Rover, said the gigafactory will be based in Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, Somerset and is expected to bring in £4billion worth of investment.
The 40GWh factory will create up to 4,000 jobs and is set to be the biggest battery factory in the country, it is expected to open in 2026.
Agratas, which is part of Tata Technologies, will work closely with local and regional partners, including Somerset Council, Bridgwater and Taunton College, and the wider Gravity Smart Campus.
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The site is due to open in 2026
Agratas
Tom Flack, CEO at Agratas, said the multi-billion-pound investment will bring state-of-the-art technology to Somerset, helping to supercharge Britain’s transition to electric mobility while creating thousands of jobs in the process.
He added: “We care deeply about the communities we operate in, so it’s imperative to us that we work with, and listen to, our new neighbours as we build our factory in Somerset.”
The new gigafactory comes at a crucial time when the UK is in the phase of transitioning to new zero emission vehicles.
The Government announced ambitious plans to make 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans sold in the UK zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100 per cent by 2035.
Bill Revans, councillor at Somerset Council explained how the investment is momentous for the county, its economy and for future generations.
He said: “It’s about seizing an incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry that will create thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid, green jobs.
“Agratas’ huge investment in the County has the potential to transform the local and regional economy.
“We are committed to making this work for Somerset, its residents and our business community. We know how to deliver significant projects and work with communities to maximise the benefits of investment into our county.”
Rishi Sunak with Tata Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran view a battery cell during his visit to JLR
PA
Residents living near the site of the future gigafactory campus are set to receive a leaflet through the post this week, with many already on board with the future prospects the factory can bring.
In addition to providing insight into the factory’s plans, the leaflet invites people to follow Agratas’ community WhatsApp channel for regular updates on the site’s progress.
Preliminary works on the site are in progress, with piling to establish the factory’s foundations set to start in Spring.
Councillor Ros Wyke commented: “It is a very important day for the British car industry and our vision for Somerset. This puts Somerset on the map and sets out a bright future for our residents.
Plans to build a gigafactory first surfaced last July
Argatas
“Agratas and the council will be working with local colleges to deliver the comprehensive workforce and skills solution, including strategic links to other training and academic institutions, to help deliver the specialist skills needed for this project, and to maximise the opportunities for local people and businesses.”
Plans to build a gigafactory first surfaced last July with JLR choosing to open its factory in the UK over Spain.
Speaking previously to GB News, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "This is the country's largest ever car production investment that we've ever seen.
"It really puts the UK in the fast lane of electric vehicle production and I'm very proud that we've brought that to the UK with all of the jobs it will bring."
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Taking to social media, local residents expressed their joy with the factory.
One user said: “Excellent news for the area thousands of new jobs and investment and helping the climate too.
“Our world is [in] serious trouble and if we all play a part our children will have a better chance in a changing climate.”