Tata Group, the renowned Indian conglomerate, recently revealed plans to build its first electric car battery plant in Bridgwater, a town in southwest England. This significant venture, valued at £4 billion ($5 billion), signifies Tata’s debut gigafactory outside of India.
The Tata Group is a global conglomerate with a rich history and a diverse range of businesses. Founded in 1868 by Jamsetji Tata, the group has grown to become one of India’s largest and most respected business conglomerates. Tata Group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents and has a presence in industries such as steel, automobiles, information technology, telecommunications, and hospitality.
Known for its commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility, Tata Group is also recognized for its innovation and excellence in business. With a strong focus on sustainability and community development, Tata Group continues to be a leader in the global business landscape.
The new facility, which will have a capacity of 40 GWh, is set to be constructed at the Gravity Smart Campus in Bridgwater by Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business. This move positions the UK plant as one of the largest battery-cell manufacturing centers in Europe. Agratas expects to create around 4,000 green-tech jobs directly, with the potential for even more indirectly.
Tom Flack, CEO of Agratas, emphasized that this substantial investment will bring cutting-edge technology to Somerset, supporting the country’s transition to electric mobility and fostering job growth. Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran has affirmed the group’s strong commitment to sustainability across its operations. He has announced a significant investment in the UK to establish one of Europe’s largest battery cell manufacturing facilities.
This multi-billion-pound investment will introduce cutting-edge technology to the country, supporting the automotive sector’s shift towards electric mobility. The construction of the facility will take place in phases, with battery production expected to start in 2026. Notably, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Motors will be the initial clients for the plant, consolidating its position in the market.