Somerset Council leaders have this week visited the Agratas battery manufacturing site at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, saying construction of the multi-billion-pound project is making “hugely encouraging” progress.
Council Leader Cllr Bill Revans and Chief Executive Duncan Sharkey joined Agratas Chairman Mr N. Chandrasekaran at the former Royal Ordnance Factory site between Puriton and Woolavington, just off junction 23 of the M5.
Agratas, part of the Tata Group, is building what is expected to become the UK’s largest battery manufacturing facility. The development is forecast to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthen Somerset’s role in advanced manufacturing, innovation and clean energy.
Somerset Council says it has worked with partners to help bring the scheme forward and to maximise benefits for local communities, businesses and the future workforce — including in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area.
During the visit, council leaders were shown the scale of work already under way and briefed on the next stages of the development.
Cllr Revans said: “This is one of the most significant investments Somerset has ever attracted and it has the potential to transform opportunities for generations to come. Seeing the progress on site was hugely encouraging.
“Our priority is to ensure local people and businesses benefit from this investment. By working with Agratas, University Centre Somerset College Group and our other partners, we want to develop the skills, training and apprenticeship pathways that will enable Somerset residents to secure jobs with Agratas and across the county’s growing advanced manufacturing sector.
“The benefits should reach well beyond the site itself. An investment of this scale has the potential to create significant opportunities for Somerset businesses through its supply chain, supporting wider economic growth across the county and the South West.
“We are proud to be working with Agratas and our partners to ensure Somerset secures the maximum possible long-term benefit from this landmark project.”
Duncan Sharkey said: “Agratas is a fantastic example of Somerset attracting world-leading investment. Alongside the jobs and economic opportunities being created, the project is helping to build new skills pathways and strengthen the county’s long-term economic future.”
The visit formed part of ongoing partnership working between Somerset Council, Agratas and other organisations supporting delivery of the Gravity Smart Campus and its wider economic benefits for Somerset.
