Agratas has awarded UK-based contractor Sir Robert McAlpine the contract to build a battery cell manufacturing facility in the UK. Agratas, the battery subsidiary of Tata Group, noted that Sir Robert McAlpine will construct Building One of the facility and associated developments, with a gross external built area of ​​244,710 m² near Bridgwater in Somerset.

The contractor said it has begun preparations for the development, which is expected to be operational in 2026. It added that initial works at the site have been underway for several months, with piling works for building one expected to begin in the coming weeks.

The development of Building 1 will require approximately 2,100 construction workers at peak times, many of whom will be employed in the third and fourth lines of the supply chain.

“The beginning of this partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine is another pivotal moment for our nationally significant project. The team brings an unparalleled commitment to technical excellence, customer service, sustainability and exemplary project delivery, and most importantly, they live and breathe our shared vision of putting community at the heart of everything we do,” said Joe Hibbert, Vice President for Capital Projects at Agratas.

According to Agratas, the wider facility will provide almost half of the expected battery production capacity for the UK automotive sector by the early 2030s.

Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director for Buildings, Sir Robert McAlpine concluded: “Throughout our 155-year history, we have always been at the forefront of industrial change in the UK, which is why we are proud to be working with Agratas as our preferred delivery partner.”