Tata's UK gigafactory project takes major step forward
Sir Robert McAlpine to build multi-billion-pound factory
Tata Group's plans to establish a battery gigafactory in the UK have moved a significant step closer to reality.
The conglomerate has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine as the lead engineering and delivery partner for the construction of "Building One" of the multi-billion-pound project.
The facility is set to be located in Bridgwater, Somerset, and expected to commence operations in 2026.
On Monday, Agratas, Tata Group's battery division, announced the phased appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine to oversee the construction of the 40GWh gigafactory.
The appointment followed a rigorous tender process, with Sir Robert McAlpine selected based on its exceptional performance across cost, experience, capability, sustainability, and collaborative working, according to Agratas.
Joe Hibbert, Vice President of Capital Projects at Agratas, hailed the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as a "pivotal moment" for the 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," he stated.
Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director for Buildings at Sir Robert McAlpine, said they are delighted in partnering with Agratas on this transformative project. He said:
"We are aligned in our ambitions for making a long lasting, positive impact on local communities, guided by our vision to construct a better world for future generations."
Once fully operational, the Somerset factory is poised to become the largest of its kind in the UK, contributing significantly to the nation's burgeoning electric vehicle industry.
By the early 2030s, it is expected to supply nearly half of the UK automotive sector's projected battery manufacturing needs.
Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors, both under the Tata Group umbrella, are earmarked as primary customers. Additionally, the gigafactory is expected to produce battery cells for grid storage projects.
The main factory building and auxiliary structures will cover an impressive 244,710 square meters – surpassing the size of Wembley Stadium by over 35%.
Preparatory work has already commenced, with the construction of pile foundations set to begin in the coming weeks under the leadership of Sir Robert McAlpine.
The construction phase of "Building One" is anticipated to generate approximately 2,100 jobs at peak times.
Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine have jointly committed to a Workforce Development Strategy aimed at fostering regional employment opportunities.
Additionally, Agratas has outlined plans to collaborate with local partners, including Somerset County Council, Bridgwater and Taunton College, and the Gravity Smart Campus, to develop specialised battery and EV education and training programmes for the region.
The UK government has shown strong support for the project, providing hundreds of millions of pounds in funding to secure its delivery. This investment is anticipated to create up to 4,000 new green jobs.
"This is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and one that will drive growth in our economy, creating thousands of jobs and powering our transition to electric cars," Jeremy Hunt, then-Chancellor of the Exchequer, said in July last year, when the project was announced.
Mr N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said: "The Tata Group is deeply committed to a sustainable future across our business."
"With this strategic investment, the Tata Group further strengthens its commitment to the UK, alongside our many companies operating here across technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive."