Contractor appointed to build multi-billion-pound UK battery factory

Model of new Agratas battery plant (Photo: Tata Group)

UK-based contractor Sir Robert McAlpine has won a deal with Tata Group’s battery business Agratas to build a multi-billion-pound battery cell manufacturing facility in the UK.

Sir Robert McAlpine will build Building One of the facility and ancillary developments, covering a gross external built area (GEA) of 244,710 sq m near Bridgwater in Somerset.

The contractor will now start preparations for the development, which is scheduled to be operational in 2026.

Preparatory works have been underway at the site for several months already, with piling for Building One expected to commence in the coming weeks.

Agratas said that by the early 2030s the wider facility will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.

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.

Joe Hibbert, vice president for capital projects at Agratas said, “The beginning of this partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine is another pivotal moment for our nationally significant project.

“The team brings an unrivalled commitment to technical excellence, client service, sustainability and exemplary project delivery, and most importantly, they live and breathe our shared vision of placing community at the heart of everything we do.”

Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director for Buildings, Sir Robert McAlpine, added: “Across our 155-year history, have always been at the forefront of industrial change in the UK. This is why we are proud to be working with Agratas as its preferred delivery partner.”