'Major milestone' passed on Bridgwater EV battery site
Steel frames are in place on the Agratas site in major construction milestone
Developers behind Somerset's newest EV battery factory have issued an important update - saying a major milestone has been reached this week.
It comes as the first steel frames on the Agratas site near Bridgwater are now in place.
100% of the material for the build is sourced from British suppliers, supporting UK manufacturing and demonstrating the company’s commitment to national supply chains.
It marks the start of the next phase of construction, the vertical build, and is being dubbed as a a visible step forward in the delivery of the facility.
A major milestone
A lot has been going on there in recent weeks, with around 17,000 piles now in the ground - which are set to form the solid foundations required to support the scale and ambition of the project.
Activity there is ramping-up, with more accommodation being built to house the growing construction teams working to bring the facility to life.
A 'proud moment'
Earl Wiggins, VP Manufacturing Operations at Agratas said: “The construction of the steel frames is a proud moment for everyone involved in this project. It is the start of a new chapter where our vision for a world-leading facility starts to visibly take shape. We remain committed to working closely with the Somerset community throughout the build. This is a facility that will play a huge role in the EV supply chain in the UK, and growth and innovation right here in Somerset will be at its heart.”
This major site milestone comes in the same week the Government published their new Industrial Strategy, to strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector, and support the development and growth of the battery sector, which will drive innovation and support jobs.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP said: “It’s great to see this milestone reached for Agratas’ gigafactory, which will be vital for Somerset’s economy and shows the huge growth potential for UK battery manufacturing. That’s why our modern Industrial Strategy will turbocharge growth and investment in the industry for the long term, delivering on our Plan for Change.
“Agratas’ use of 100% UK-made steel for the construction is a welcome win for our steel industry in the run-up to the launch of our Steel Strategy, which will back the sector with up to £2.5 billion of investment.”
Somerset Council’s Leader Bill Revans said: “This is a significant milestone for the project and we are pleased to be playing our part in this incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry. Agratas’ investment in the county has the potential to transform the local and regional economy. Together with Hinkley and businesses like Leonardo, it shows that Somerset Council is about supporting exciting, high-tech industry that will make a difference for generations to come.”
Throughout this phase of construction, Agratas is ensuring measures are in place to minimise disruption to residents. This includes the use of quieter, sound-reduced equipment, using electric plant wherever possible, and a firm commitment that no cutting or grinding works will take place on Sundays.