Tata Group’s battery subsidiary, Agratas, has confirmed the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater in Somerset, England, as the site for its first battery cell factory outside India. The purchase of the land marks a significant step in the company’s expansion plans.
The UK government had previously announced in July 2023 that Tata’s new facility would be located in the country. The factory, with an expected annual capacity of 40 GWh, is projected to create approximately 4,000 jobs in the region, with production scheduled to commence in 2026.
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The Gravity Smart Campus, situated on the M5 just outside the city, is set to become a key location for Agratas. The site’s ample space and strategic positioning make it an ideal choice for the battery subsidiary’s operations.
CEO Tom Flack expressed excitement about the investment, stating, “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.” Flack emphasized Agratas’ commitment to community engagement, promising to work closely with local residents as the factory takes shape.
Neighborhood residents can expect to receive a detailed brochure outlining the project, along with invitations to join Agratas’ WhatsApp channel for regular updates on construction progress. An information event is also planned in the coming weeks, though groundwork has already begun, with the first foundations scheduled to be laid this spring.
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The factory’s primary customers are expected to include Tata and its British subsidiary, JLR. In addition to automotive-grade battery cells, Agratas is likely to explore battery development for two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems on a commercial scale.
Bloomberg reported in mid-February that Tata is considering spinning off its battery division, potentially allowing Agratas to attract external investors for its capital-intensive projects. While discussions are reportedly in the early stages, an IPO in Mumbai could be on the cards for the subsidiary.
