Somerset Gigafactory Reaches Major Construction Milestone

A significant construction milestone has been achieved at Agratas’ £4 billion gigafactory in Bridgwater, Somerset, marking a crucial step in the development of the UK’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The completion of the steel frame for ‘Building One’ signifies substantial progress for this landmark project, which is set to bolster the UK’s clean technology sector.

Key Takeaways

The steel frame for Agratas’ ‘Building One’ has been successfully erected.
The facility is poised to become the UK’s largest EV battery plant.
The project represents a £4 billion investment by Tata Group’s global battery business.
It is expected to create around 4,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy.

Steel Frame Completion

Agratas, the global battery business of Tata Group, has announced the completion of the steel frame for its expansive battery manufacturing facility located in Bridgwater, Somerset. This structure, which forms the first phase of the project known as ‘Building One’, spans an impressive 525 metres in length, 167 metres in width, and reaches a height of 34 metres at its peak. The construction utilized 23,000 tonnes of steel, an amount equivalent to that used in Wembley Stadium, with 100 per cent of the steel sourced from the UK.

Project Significance and Economic Impact

This milestone is a critical step towards bringing the facility to life and underscores the project’s momentum. The gigafactory is designed to produce battery cells for both automotive use and energy storage, playing a vital role in advancing clean technology and sustainable energy solutions in the UK. Industry minister Chris McDonald highlighted the site’s importance in the nation’s clean energy transition and the Modern Industrial Strategy. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to create approximately 4,000 jobs and inject over £700 million in annual economic value into the South West region.

Next Steps and Job Creation

The completion of the steel frame paves the way for subsequent construction phases, including the installation of external cladding and roofing, followed by the internal fit-out. Recruitment efforts are ongoing, with plans to employ around 1,600 people to support battery production in the coming year. Positions will span operations, maintenance, quality control, technical, engineering, and logistics functions. The project is being delivered by Agratas’ construction partner, Sir Robert McAlpine, in collaboration with steel contractor Severfield and the design and engineering team at Stantec.

Timeline and Development

Construction work on the multi-billion-pound project commenced in 2024. While initial plans aimed for completion of ‘Building One’ in 2026, recent information suggests a revised target of 2027 for its completion. The project also involves significant infrastructure development, including a new junction on the M5 motorway, contracted to Costain Group.