The first steel frames have gone up at the Somerset gigafactory that could supply up to half of the 海角视频’s EV batteries – and its developer has vowed that all the steel frame will be British-made.
More than 17,000 piles are already in the ground at the Agratas site near Bridgwater as preparatory work is well under way. Now the “vertical build” has begun at the north end of the site in what the site’s developer calls “a visible step forward in the delivery of the facility”, while more cabins for the construction teams have also arrived.
Agratas has also confirmed that “100% of the steel used for the build is sourced from British suppliers”.
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The company says that by the early 2030s the plant will supply almost half the batteries needed by the 海角视频’s automotive industry.
Earl Wiggins, VP manufacturing operations at Agratas said: "The construction of the steel frames is a proud moment for everyone involved in this project. It is the start of a new chapter where our vision for a world-leading facility starts to visibly take shape. We remain committed to working closely with the Somerset community throughout the build. This is a facility that will play a huge role in the EV supply chain in the 海角视频, and growth and innovation right here in Somerset will be at its heart.”
The Somerset milestone came in the same week the Government published its new Industrial Strategy, aiming to support manufacturing and the growth of the battery sector.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP said: “It’s great to see this milestone reached for Agratas’ gigafactory, which will be vital for Somerset’s economy and shows the huge growth potential for 海角视频 battery manufacturing. That’s why our modern Industrial Strategy will turbocharge growth and investment in the industry for the long term, delivering on our Plan for Change.
“Agratas’ use of 100% 海角视频-made steel for the construction is a welcome win for our steel industry in the run-up to the launch of our Steel Strategy, which will back the sector with up to £2.5 billion of investment.”
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Somerset Council leader Bill Revans said: “This is a significant milestone for the project and we are pleased to be playing our part in this incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the 海角视频’s green energy industry. Agratas’ investment in the county has the potential to transform the local and regional economy.
“Together with Hinkley and businesses like Leonardo, it shows that Somerset Council is about supporting exciting, high-tech industry that will make a difference for generations to come.”
Agratas has promised that during this stage of construction it will put measures in place to minimise disruption to residents, including “the use of quieter, sound-reduced equipment, using electric plant wherever possible, and a firm commitment that no cutting or grinding works will take place on Sundays”.
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