The UK's flagship electric vehicle battery manufacturing factory has achieved a "major construction milestone" as it moves closer to beginning production.
The Agratas battery manufacturing plant near Bridgwater, Somerset, has installed the first steel frames ahead of the plant's development.
The vertical build is a visible step forward for the facility, with around 17,000 piles already in the ground, forming the foundations of Building One.
Agratas, which is under the Tata Group umbrella, is expected to supply almost half of the nation's projected battery capacity for the automotive sector by the early 2030s.
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Up to 4,000 jobs are set to be created by the development of the battery facility
AGRATAS
Battery production is scheduled to commence in 2027 and will help accelerate the nation's transition to electric cars.
It is expected that the battery production facility will create up to 4,000 green technology jobs in Somerset and around the UK.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP said: "It's great to see this milestone reached for Agratas' gigafactory, which will be vital for Somerset's economy and shows the huge growth potential for UK battery manufacturing.
"That's why our modern Industrial Strategy will turbocharge growth and investment in the industry for the long term, delivering on our Plan for Change."
Steel frames are being installed at the Agratas Somerset gigafactory
AGRATAS
The Labour MP for Croydon West also praised the use of 100 per cent UK-made steel, calling it a "welcome win" for the industry.
The newly unveiled Industrial Strategy will strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector, as backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
Agratas is developing the site in collaboration with Somerset Council, Bridgwater and Taunton College, and the Gravity Smart Campus.
It aims to minimise disruption for local residents, using quieter, sound-reduced equipment and electric tools where possible.
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Battery production at the facility is set to begin in 2027
AGRATAS
Agratas has also committed to not performing any cutting or grinding work on Sundays as it continues to develop the area.
Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, added: "Agratas' investment in the county has the potential to transform the local and regional economy.
"This is a significant milestone for the project and we are pleased to be playing our part in this incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry."
Agratas is also building gigafactories in India, as it continues to develop competitive battery cells for the future of zero emission motoring.
It is hoped the gigafactory will produce electric vehicle batteries for Jaguar Land Rover as it phases out the use of petrol and diesel internal combustion engines.
Earl Wiggins, VP Manufacturing Operations at Agratas, said: "The construction of the steel frames is a proud moment for everyone involved in this project.
"It is the start of a new chapter where our vision for a world-leading facility starts to visibly take shape. We remain committed to working closely with the Somerset community throughout the build.
"This is a facility that will play a huge role in the EV supply chain in the UK, and growth and innovation right here in Somerset will be at its heart."
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