Key Takeaways

• The Project: A massive £4bn Gigafactory by Tata Group (Agratas) in Bridgwater, Somerset.

• The Status: Piling is 100% complete (16,800 piles), and the steel superstructure is rising.

• The Jobs: Creating 4,000 direct roles and 7,500 supply chain opportunities.

• The Timeline: Full production is scheduled to commence in late 2027.

The UK's Automotive Future is Rising in Somerset

The UK’s automotive future is currently being built on a 616-acre brownfield site in Somerset. Agratas, the global battery business of the Tata Group, is well underway with the construction of its £4 billion gigafactory at the Gravity Smart Campus.

This is not just another planning application; the steel is going up.

As of late 2025, the project has hit critical physical milestones. The piling phase is complete, and the superstructure of Building One is rising, with six 100-tonne cranes assembling a frame made entirely from British steel.

Quick Data Reference (Project Stats)

• Total Investment: £4 Billion

• Target Capacity: 40GWh (powering ~500,000 EVs annually)

• Construction Scale: 16,800 piles installed

• Job Creation: 4,000 direct / 7,500 supply chain roles

• Production Start: Late 2027

What is the current status of the construction?

Construction has moved from groundworks to vertical assembly. The piling phase, involving the installation of over 16,800 piles to support the immense weight of battery production machinery, is now finished.

While the start of production has been recalibrated to late 2027 to align with grid infrastructure upgrades, the recruitment engine is already starting to turn.

Tom Flack, CEO of Agratas, emphasises the significance of this phase:

"Our multi-billion-pound investment will bring state-of-the-art technology to Somerset, helping to supercharge Britain's transition to electric mobility whilst creating thousands of jobs in the process."

Which experts are building the Gravity Campus?

The scale of construction requires a tier-one supply chain. Sir Robert McAlpine is leading the main delivery, but the mechanical and electrical complexity is where the true engineering challenge lies.

Key partners include NG Bailey and TClarke, who are tasked with delivering the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. This includes the installation of critical 'dry rooms' with humidity levels controlled to less than 1% (dew points below -40°C).

These environments are essential to prevent lithium from reacting with moisture, making the HVAC installation one of the most complex mechanical engineering challenges in the UK today.

Cordi O'Hara, President of National Grid Electricity Distribution, highlights the impact:

"The Agratas battery factory at Gravity is set to bring thousands of skilled jobs and provide a boost to the regional economy, as well as pushing forward the electrification of transport across the country."

The Talent Challenge: What does this mean for hiring?

Building the factory is only half the battle; the true challenge lies in the workforce. To hit the 2027 production target, Agratas needs to mobilise a direct workforce of 4,000 people. When you factor in the supply chain, that figure rises to nearly 11,500 roles.

For the South West, a region historically defined by aerospace and nuclear, this requires a rapid pivot in skills.

We are already seeing demand crystallise around three key pillars:

1. The Complex Science of Process Engineering

Battery manufacturing relies on the precise mixing of electrode slurry. Slight variations in viscosity or coating thickness can ruin an entire batch. We need specialists in Process Engineering with backgrounds in chemical engineering, statistical process control (SPC), and cleanroom protocols.

2. Quality Assurance (APQP)

With JLR as the anchor customer, standards are non-negotiable. Quality Engineers must be versed in IATF 16949 standards and capable of implementing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) frameworks from day one.

3. The Infrastructure Enablers

Before a single battery is made, the site needs power and water.

• High Voltage Specialists: To manage the interim 33kV connections and the future 400kV substation at Woolavington.

• Civil Engineers: To deliver the 4.5km water main connection from Knowle Hill Reservoir.

What education and support is available?

Agratas is actively building its future talent pipeline through the 'Gravity Skills Charter' in partnership with Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC). The college's Energy Skills Centre is developing bespoke modules in battery manufacturing and high-voltage safety.

Culturally, the project is also committed to ecological stewardship. A dedicated 'Bat House' has already been constructed on-site to protect local wildlife, demonstrating that industrial scale can coexist with biodiversity.

For Our Clients: The Green Skills Deficit

The Green Skills deficit is real. 30% of engineering employers already report difficulties recruiting sustainability specialists. You cannot wait for 2027 to start your hiring strategy.

You must look at trans-industry mapping: identifying talent in the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors who understand regulated, high-volume production. Our Automotive division specialises in identifying these transferable skill sets.

For Candidates: The Gift of Time

The delay to 2027 is an opportunity. Use it. If you are a mechanical engineer, look at courses in High Voltage safety or battery chemistry. The Bridgwater & Taunton College courses are already live.

The jobs are coming, but they will go to those who have prepared their technical portfolio in advance. We are here to support that journey. We don't just place you; we help guide your career transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Agratas Gigafactory officially open?

Construction is well underway, but full production has been rescheduled to begin in late 2027. This timeline allows for the complex grid infrastructure upgrades required to power the site.

How many jobs will be available at Gravity?

Agratas will employ 4,000 people directly when fully operational. An additional 7,500 jobs are expected to be created within the wider UK supply chain.

How can local businesses join the supply chain?

Local businesses can register their interest via the official supply chain portal managed by the main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine. This covers everything from catering and cleaning to technical engineering services.

Where can I find training for battery manufacturing?

Training is being coordinated through Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC). Their Energy Skills Centre is already offering bespoke courses in battery manufacturing and high-voltage safety.