Agratas, the global battery business of Tata Group, has officially announced its commitment to constructing Britain’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The ground-breaking project, referred to as a “gigafactory”, will be situated in Somerset, south-west England, on the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater.
With an emphasis on community involvement, Agratas aims to engage locals in the development process, fostering a collaborative approach towards the project. The facility, projected to produce 40 GWh, is anticipated to supply nearly half of the UK automotive sector’s battery manufacturing needs by the early 2030s.
Tom Flack, CEO of Agratas, said the transformative impact of the investment, stating, “Our multi-billion-pound investment will bring state-of-the-art technology to Somerset, helping to supercharge Britain’s transition to electric mobility whilst creating thousands of jobs in the process.”
Agratas is committed to working closely with local and regional partners, including Somerset Council and Bridgwater and Taunton College, to provide tailored education and training programmes, facilitating job creation in the region. It is estimated that the factory will generate up to 4,000 high-skilled green tech jobs locally, with additional opportunities expected to arise within the UK supply chain.
Residents near the future gigafactory campus will receive informational leaflets, with regular updates on the project’s progress. Preliminary construction work is already underway, with piling for the factory’s foundations scheduled to commence in the coming months. The construction will be carried out in phases, with battery production slated to commence in 2026.
Agratas’ inaugural customers will be Tata Group firms Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Motors. Additionally, the company plans to produce batteries for various applications, including two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and energy storage solutions.
The announcement marks a significant milestone following Tata Group’s decision last year to establish Agratas as a subsidiary. The choice to locate the first gigafactory outside India underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.
Derived from the Sanskrit word “agra”, symbolising leadership, combined with “gravitas”, Agratas represents a forward-looking ambition to pioneer advancements for future generations.
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