The Tata Group, the Indian parent company of Jaguar Land Rover, has confirmed that it is to build an EV battery plant in Somerset in the UK West Country. The move will create around 4,000 direct jobs and up to double that number in the supply chain. The plant is expected to be operational by 2026.  

The facility, near Bridgwater, will supply batteries for Jaguar and Land Rover electric vehicles and is said by many, to be a crucial element of safeguarding vehicle production in the UK. It is thought that significant incentives were offered by the UK government to secure the facility, over a rival bid from Spain.  

Tata chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, commented, “Our multi billion-pound investment will bring state-of-the-art technology to the country, helping to power the automotive sector’s transition to electric mobility, anchored by our own business, JLR. With this strategic investment, the Tata Group further strengthens its commitment to the UK, alongside our many companies operating here across technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals and automotive.”

Industry groups in the UK have welcomed the announcement. Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry said, “There is no question that this is great news for the UK economy, with the prospect of thousands of jobs. For the UK to become a centre of excellence in the electric battery field is crucial for future decarbonisation ambitions.”

Graham Hoare, CEO, Manufacturing Technology Centre and co-chair of UK Automotive Council, said, “The news that the UK has been chosen as the home of Tata Group’s first gigafactory outside India, is a significant boost to the UK economy. It provides much needed confidence to the supply chain, secures a pipeline for thousands of high-skilled jobs in Somerset and across the UK and is an important step on our net-zero journey.”

IMechE’s Head of Policy, Matt Rooney, said, “The UK’s car industry has faced significant challenges recently, so this is a boost to the sector. Projects like this will maintain manufacturing capacity and help to develop new jobs and skills as we decarbonise the transport system. This is not enough alone to save an industry in peril, but it is a very good start.”