Fortescue Metals Group, the Australian mining company, is set to bolster its UK manufacturing capabilities by establishing a new battery and electric powertrain production facility in Banbury, Oxfordshire. This expansion marks a significant step for Fortescue as it seeks to delve deeper into the off-road sector, specifically focusing on electric and zero-emission powertrain systems for trucks and trains.
Spanning over 13,500 square meters, the state-of-the-art factory will house automated battery module and pack assembly, along with power conversion and power system assembly. Additionally, the facility will provide comprehensive production support for trucks and trains. Fortescue anticipates that this venture will generate more than 120 job opportunities in the region.
Fortescue’s acquisition of Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), an engineering and battery company founded by the renowned Formula One team Williams, plays a pivotal role in the establishment of this new facility. By integrating WAE’s battery systems, Fortescue aims to position British engineering at the forefront of the green energy economy, offering world-leading technology to various industrial sectors on a global scale.
While the official opening of the site is scheduled for 2024, the completion of a prototype build is expected in July or August of this year. Impressively, the production line will roll out its first mining haul truck module in August, showcasing the swift progress made by Fortescue in realizing its manufacturing goals.
Fortescue’s overarching ambition is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. In pursuit of this target, the company is actively involved in several projects, including the development of a 3-kilometer-long freight train, 400-tonne haul trucks, and industrial heavy mobile equipment. Notably, Fortescue and WAE have also collaborated on a joint initiative named Infinity Train, set to introduce the world’s most efficient battery-electric locomotive for the transportation of iron ore.
By establishing this cutting-edge facility, Fortescue Metals Group is poised to make a profound impact on the electrification of off-road vehicles and contribute significantly to the global green energy revolution. With a clear vision and strategic investments, Fortescue is paving the way for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future in the automotive and mining industries.
