Construction activity at Britain’s biggest electric vehicle battery factory is set to increase, with up to 2,900 workers expected at the Somerset site this autumn.
The Agratas plant near Bridgwater is moving into a more intensive phase, with its first building nearly water-tight and internal fit-out due to begin within weeks. The project is expected to start producing batteries in late 2027, initially for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.
Specialist trades joining the project
A recent update to Somerset Council said between 2,500 and 2,900 construction workers could be on site from this autumn. Agratas described the rise as an “uplift” reflecting the changing nature of the work.
A company spokesperson said more specialist trades would be needed to install the internal systems and infrastructure required for the facility.
The 616-acre brownfield site was previously home to an ordnance factory. Once operational, the battery plant will support the production of electric vehicles in Britain, beginning with batteries for JLR, which is also owned by Tata Group.
Chairman visits as work moves forward
Tata Group and Agratas chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran visited the site on 10 September to see progress first-hand.
His visit came days after JLR announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs, with the company partly blaming the reductions on its delayed transition to electric vehicles.
In June, construction company TSL was appointed to take over from Sir Robert McAlpine. Sir Robert McAlpine said it had mutually agreed to part ways with Agratas after successfully completing the first phase of the battery manufacturing facility.
The next stage will focus on fitting out the first factory building and preparing the site for battery production.
