We are witnessing a defining moment in the UK’s green industrial revolution as the first steel structures are now being erected at the future site of the country’s largest gigafactory, located in Bridgwater, Somerset. This £4 billion mega project, led by Agratas (a Tata Group enterprise), aims to produce over 40GWh of battery cells annually—enough to support 500,000 electric vehicles per year.
Spanning over 620 acres at the Gravity Smart Campus, this new battery manufacturing plant will play a critical role in securing the UK’s position within the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, while revitalising local economies through thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Precision Engineering: Steel Assembly Now Underway
Construction has now entered its vertical phase with the first steel components craned into position in late June 2025. The framing marks the initial structure of Building A, which will house the cell assembly lines and electrode processing halls. These industrial spaces demand millimetre-level precision and robust, vibration-resistant foundations, designed to support cleanroom-grade environments essential for lithium-ion cell production.
The speed of progress follows meticulous groundwork, including deep piling, utility routing, and environmental groundwork to mitigate flood risk and ensure habitat preservation on this former airfield site.
Clean Energy and Circular Supply Chains at the Core
Designed with sustainability at its heart, the Somerset gigafactory will integrate solar PV, rainwater harvesting, and advanced heat recovery systems to lower operational emissions. The site is also targeting a future link to local wind generation assets, positioning it among the most energy-efficient battery facilities in Europe.
Crucially, a major emphasis has been placed on the development of a circular battery ecosystem. Plans are already in motion for on-site battery recycling and the establishment of secure supply chains for raw materials such as nickel, lithium and cobalt. This will reduce dependency on volatile global markets while improving the factory’s ESG credentials.
Regional Regeneration: Employment and Skills Legacy
The gigafactory is expected to directly create up to 4,000 jobs in Somerset and contribute to the generation of around 11,000 supply chain roles nationwide. Working in collaboration with local colleges and national skills initiatives, the project is establishing a battery technology training academy to develop next-generation engineers and production technicians.
Investment in upskilling will be pivotal, with the site aiming to employ a 60% local workforce by the time full production begins in 2027. Apprenticeship schemes, STEM outreach programmes and graduate recruitment campaigns are already underway, underlining a long-term commitment to regional economic transformation.
Strategic Importance for UK EV Supply Chain
Located just off the M5 corridor and near Bristol Port, the Somerset site has been strategically chosen for logistical connectivity to both domestic vehicle manufacturers and international export routes. Major automotive clients, including Jaguar Land Rover and other Tata Motors affiliates, are expected to be among the first to benefit from the gigafactory’s output.
In a post-Brexit environment, securing sovereign battery production is vital to meet rules-of-origin regulations under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, while also reducing exposure to overseas supply chain disruption. The facility will directly support the UK’s ambition to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
Community and Environmental Stewardship
The developers have worked closely with Sedgemoor District Council, the Environment Agency and local stakeholders to address community concerns and embed sustainability from day one. Biodiversity net gain commitments include wetland habitat creation, protected species relocation and new green corridors for wildlife.
Community benefit funds and local business incubation hubs are also planned, helping ensure that the wider Bridgwater area shares in the prosperity this investment will bring.
Final Foundations for a Battery-Powered Britain
With the first steel frame now standing, Britain’s flagship gigafactory project is transitioning from concept to reality. The build signals not just the emergence of a new industrial landmark, but a generational shift in how the UK powers its vehicles, economy and future.
This steel is more than structure—it is a symbol of the UK’s charge toward electrification, energy security and long-term industrial resilience.
