Somerset businesses are being invited to learn more about supply chain opportunities at the proposed gigafactory near Bridgwater.
Developer Agratas, part of Mumbai-based Tata Group, and its main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine are planning to build the biggest electric vehicle battery factory in the UK and are looking for local companies to get involved.
The facility, at the Gravity Smart Campus, is expected to be operating by 2026 and will provide batteries for Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors. Sir Robert McAlpine was awarded the contract by Agratas for ‘Building One’ and surrounding area – the first phase of the development – in July.
Agratas formally submitted plans for the scheme to Somerset Council this month, with the local authority expected to make a decision before Christmas.
Small or medium-sized Somerset-based firms which are currently working – or aspiring to work – in the construction industry, are now being encouraged to attend a free event to hear about work packages and details of the project.
Agratas has said it would like to hear from companies working in:
- Catering
- Offsite consolidation centre
- Shuttle / mini-buses / coaches
- Ancillary / secondary steelwork metalwork
- Mastic
- Office cleaning
- Temp electrics (site set up only)
- Builders clean
- Signage
- Soft landscaping / planting
- B&Bs / hotel rental
The event is taking place at The Canalside Conference Centre on Tuesday, October 8, between 8am and midday. It is free to attend but companies must register via eventbrite.
Earlier this month, Somerset Council announced the next stage of traffic controls to allow for works being carried out by an Agratas contractor to install underground power cables connecting the Gravity site to Bridgwater’s electricity substation.
Work on the southern section of Bower Lane started on September 9 and the road is scheduled to be closed in phases until late December.
The A39 Bath Road is also be affected by works until mid-November, with a one-way system from Crandon Bridge to the junction with Bower Lane. Traffic will only be able to travel towards Bridgwater. The signed diversion route will be via Junction 23 and then south via the A38.
The council has said access will be maintained at all times for directly affected businesses and homes.
Any one-way arrangements will be lifted for the Carnival season between October 30 and November 4. Traffic management is scheduled to be paused over the festive period, between December 2 and January 2.