The first steel frames on the Agratas site near Bridgwater, Somerset are now in place, marking a major milestone in the construction of the UK’s flagship battery manufacturing facility.
It marks the start of the next phase of construction, the vertical build, and is a visible step forward in the delivery of the facility. The steel structure will be erected in phases, with the build beginning at the north of the site.
It follows significant progress on site in recent weeks: approximately 17,000 piles are now in the ground, forming the solid foundations required to support the scale and ambition of the project. Piling for Building One, which will form the first phase of the facility, will be completed by the end of June. As activity on site continues to ramp up, additional cabins have also been delivered to accommodate the growing construction teams working to bring the facility to life.
Agratas is proud to confirm that 100% of the steel used for the build is sourced from British suppliers, supporting UK manufacturing and demonstrating the company’s commitment to national supply chains.
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. The Agratas team will also be sharing updates directly with the community as the build progresses.
Agratas’ Somerset facility is a transformational and nationally significant project that will supply almost half of the batteries needed by the UK’s automotive industry by the early 2030s, creating thousands of jobs and educational opportunities, supporting local businesses both within the construction industry and in its broader supply chain, and delivering significant long-term investment to the region.
Source: Agratas
