UK’s enormous car battery gigafactory nearing construction start

Render of the future Agratas battery gigafactory to be build in Somerset, UK. (Image: Agratas)

The entire build is expected to cost US$5 billion, which Agratas CEO Tom Flack noted was a strategic investment for the firm.

“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,” he said.

SRM will work on Building One at the 616-acre site called Gravity Smart Campus in Puriton, Somerset, England. The property was once the location of a Royal Ordnance factory and is currently an Enterprise Zone. UK-based Salamanca Group purchased the site in 2017 and created limited liability company This Is Gravity to manage development that same year.

Agratas said Building One and ancillary developments comprise 244,710m² of built area, which the company noted is 35% larger than Wembley Stadium (the largest sport stadium in the UK).

The battery-maker said preparatory works have been underway for months, but SRM will start piling work imminently. Piling should last until next spring.

“Once all phases of construction are complete, the facility is set to… contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector,” said Agratas.

The firm added that the development of Building One will require approximately 2,100 construction roles at peak times, many across Tier 3 and 4 of the supply chain.

“Together, Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine will deliver a workforce development strategy to realise a local first approach, prioritising surrounding communities and fostering strong regional employment opportunities,” said Agratas.

Building One is expected to be operational in 2026, with the entire site to be ready in the first few years of the next decade.