Thu Sep 12 04:52:00 UTC 2024: ## Somerset Gigafactory on Track for Christmas Start, Creating Thousands of Jobs
Somerset’s new £4bn gigafactory, set to produce electric vehicle batteries for Jaguar Land Rover and potentially up to 40% of the UK’s electric vehicle battery market, is moving forward with the first phase of construction planned to begin before Christmas.
Agratas, the company behind the project, has formally submitted plans for “Building One”, the initial phase of the complex situated within the Gravity enterprise zone near Puriton and Woolavington. This phase will focus on battery cell manufacturing and includes staff facilities and a separate building for electrolyte production.
The gigafactory is expected to be fully operational by 2026 and will create up to 4,000 well-paid jobs, making it one of the largest single employment sites in Somerset. Construction firm McAlpine is already working on pre-construction work at the former Royal Ordnance Factory site.
Somerset Council, which has committed £150m to infrastructure improvements to support the project, is expected to make a decision on Agratas’ plans before Christmas.
The council’s investment includes up to £74m on transport improvements, potentially including a new junction (22A) off the M5 motorway, and the restoration of a former rail link to the Bristol to Exeter mainline.
These infrastructure improvements are crucial for accommodating the expected increase in traffic and ensuring smooth access to the site once the gigafactory is operational.
The gigafactory development is seen as a major boost to the local economy, promising substantial job creation and a significant contribution to the UK’s electric vehicle industry.
First Piper 