The Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, and Chief Executive Duncan Sharkey joined Agratas Chairman Mr N. Chandrasekaran for a visit to the Agratas battery manufacturing facility at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater.
Agratas, part of the Tata Group, is making a multi-billion pound investment in a new battery manufacturing facility at Gravity. The project is expected to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and help establish Somerset as a centre for advanced manufacturing, innovation and clean energy technology. Somerset Council has worked alongside partners to help bring forward the development and maximise the benefits for local communities, businesses and the future workforce.
During the recent visit, council leaders were able to see first-hand the scale of construction progress being made and hear about 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 the delivery of the Gravity Smart Campus and its wider economic benefits for Somerset.
