The owner of the giant electric vehicle battery factory being built in Somerset has parted ways with its main contractor, it has confirmed.
Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine Part Company
Agratas, part of Indian conglomerate Tata, is currently building the first phase of its huge £4bn plant at the Gravity enterprise zone between Puriton and Woolavington. The factory will supply electric batteries to Jaguar Land Rover as well as Tata Motors once operational, which is expected to be late next year.
Contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, which is also involved with the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, has completed the first phase of the works but will depart the project at the end of the month. Agratas will then install a new construction partner for the vast plant's next phase.
New Contractor Yet to Be Announced
The battery giant has not revealed which firm will replace McAlpine, but it is understood that logistics and data centre specialist TSL could be in line for the job.
An Agratas spokesperson said: “As the project has progressed, we have determined that a different construction delivery model is needed to support the next phase of our development.”
“Following a review of the project’s requirements, we have decided to transition to a new construction partner. We thank our existing construction partner for their support to date.”
“This change reflects the evolving needs of the project, positioning us to deliver the next phase with the capability and focus required to meet our objectives safely, efficiently and on schedule.”
A spokesperson for Sir Robert McAlpine said: “Having successfully completed the first phase of Agratas’s battery manufacturing facility in Somerset, following extensive discussions, we have mutually agreed to part ways.”
“We are now working closely with Agratas to support a smooth and orderly transition to a new construction partner.”
“We are immensely proud of the progress and achievements made to date, done so in true partnership with our supply chain partners and remain committed to supporting Agratas with the effective handover to the next phase.”
Government Investment and Job Creation
Agratas secured a £380m government investment for its Somerset project in April. At the time, business secretary Peter Kyle said the funding would guarantee the facility would be "economically impactful, effective and commercially viable", while safeguarding local jobs and supporting the UK's shift away from fossil fuels.
The gigafactory, which is based on a site near the M5 that is bigger than Monaco, is expected to generate up to 4,200 jobs once all phases are fully operational, while also unlocking 300 local apprenticeships.
