Contractor change for UK's largest EV battery factory in Somerset
Construction company Sir Robert McAlpine has concluded its partnership with Agratas
The UK's largest electric vehicle battery factory, in Somerset, is undergoing a change in its construction team as it gears up for its planned opening late next year.
Construction company Sir Robert McAlpine has concluded its partnership with Agratas, the developer of the battery manufacturing facility, after successfully completing the first phase of the project.
Agratas, which is part of the Tata Group, cited the need for a different construction delivery model to ensure the project's next phase remains on schedule.
The construction on the brownfield site near Bridgwater started with Sir Robert McAlpine, and it is anticipated to take two years, with approximately 2,000 workers expected on site this year.
The factory's original opening date of 2026 has been pushed back to late 2027.
Agratas plans to create 1,500 operational jobs when the facility opens in 2027, with the prospect of 4,000 positions available upon expansion across the 616-acre site, which was formerly a royal ordnance factory.
A spokesperson for Agratas told us: “As the project has progressed, we have determined that a different construction delivery model is needed to support the next phase of our development.
"Following a review of the project's requirements, we have decided to transition to a new construction partner. We thank our existing construction partner for their support to date.
"This change reflects the evolving needs of the project, positioning us to deliver the next phase with the capability and focus required to meet our objectives safely, efficiently and on schedule.”