Bristol Port Set to Play Crucial Role in Agratas' £4 Billion Investment for UK's Largest EV Battery Manufacturing Facility

Published: Wednesday 28th February 2024

The Bristol Port Company pledges to support Agratas throughout the construction and operation of the monumental £4 billion investment, which is set to establish Britain's most extensive electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility.

The Bristol Port Company. Overlooking Royal Portbury Dock and Avonmouth Docks.

Today's announcement by Agratas brings exciting news to the Bristol region, marking a pivotal moment for the local supply chain and the green economy.

 

Agratas, the battery business under the Tata Group umbrella, has officially selected the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater in Somerset as the prime location for its new UK gigafactory. This announcement solidifies Somerset as the chosen site for the UK's upcoming gigafactory. The Gravity Smart Campus, formerly known as the Royal Ordnance Factory 37, will mark a historic moment for the UK's automotive sector. Bristol Port, renowned for its robust road, rail, sea, and digital networks, is poised to play a vital role in supporting Agratas and ensuring seamless connectivity for the gigafactory's operations.

 

This investment is projected to directly generate 4,000 jobs and numerous opportunities in the broader supply chain, making it a significant milestone for the entire UK. By the early 2030s, the facility is expected to contribute nearly half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.

 

Martin Bellamy, Chairman, and Tom Curtis, Co-Founders of Gravity, expressed the significance of this development, stating, "It's impossible to overstate how important this is for the UK. It is the catalyst to kick-start the electric vehicle revolution in the UK. As the biggest battery gigafactory in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, its transformational impact will be enormous. We look forward to working closely with Agratas, Somerset Council, Bridgwater & Taunton College, and wider stakeholders to deliver this gigafactory as part of the Gravity Smart Campus."

 

CEO of Bristol Port, David Brown said "This announcement by Agratas today is fantastic news for the region and will provide exciting opportunities for the local supply chain. The Bristol Port Company looks forward to supporting Agratas during the construction and operation of this huge investment in the green economy through its road, rail, sea and digital networks."