Agratas backs bold vision for the future of UK battery manufacturing

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Agratas backs bold vision for the future of UK battery manufacturing

Published on

21 January 2026

Agratas backs bold vision for the future of UK battery manufacturing

We've welcomed key findings of a report published today (21 January) that calls for strategic support to strengthen UK battery production capacity.

The report, produced by the UK Gigafactory Commission with support from The Faraday Institution, outlines a series of recommendations and a comprehensive roadmap to secure investment in UK battery manufacturing, support supply chains, and safeguard automotive industry competitiveness.

Our facility in Bridgwater, Somerset, is a major multi-billion-pound project and is highlighted as a key element in meeting future domestic capacity needs. Set to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, the facility will supply batteries for automotive and other energy storage solutions.

3 Aerial View Of Agratas’ Battery Manufacturing Facility (Day)

We thoroughly support recommendations for focused investment and policy measures that would strengthen domestic battery production, create specialist jobs and enhance the UK’s competitiveness in the global battery supply chain.

In particular, we agreed with proposals for bespoke workforce development and the creation of career pathways for the battery sector. Suggestions include establishing dedicated apprenticeships, adaptations to higher and further education curriculum, and organisational training aimed at upskilling and reskilling.

We also backed calls for a reduction in energy costs and increasing the level of relief for energy-intensive industries, further to existing relief measures supporting the battery sector – broadening support to include vehicle assembly and the wider supply chain. The aim is to bring UK industrial energy costs into closer alignment with those of key EU peers.

Deborah Rooms, Head of Corporate Strategy and Corporate Development for Agratas, said:

"We welcome the publication of the UK Gigafactory Commission report, which paints a clear and encouraging picture of opportunity and growth for domestic battery production. As a new market entrant in the UK, we’ve been able to share some of the learnings we’ve faced so far with the UK Gigafactory Commission. We hope this helps to set a blueprint for the future of Britain’s battery ecosystem and supports the development of a thriving and sustainable industry."

1 Aerial View Of Agratas Battery Manufacturing Facility (Night)

Recruitment for around 1,600 roles is set to begin this year to support battery cell production at our Somerset facility. The positions will span operations, maintenance, quality, technical, engineering, and logistics.

Once fully operational, the project is expected to contribute over £700 million in annual economic value to the South West.

Read the full Britain’s Battery Future report, published this week by the Faraday Institution on behalf of the UK Gigafactory Commission, to see the latest insights shaping the UK’s battery industry:

UK Gigafactory Policy Commission Jan 2026 report