Tata Sons, the global enterprise headquartered in India, has announced its ambitious plans to build a state-of-the-art battery cell gigafactory in the United Kingdom (UK). The £4 billion investment will pave the way for the production of 40 gigawatts (GW) of battery cells annually, making it one of Europe’s largest battery manufacturing facilities. This strategic move is a significant step towards the Tata group’s commitment to sustainable practices, electric mobility, and renewable energy storage solutions for customers in the UK and Europe.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking project, stating that the investment would bring cutting-edge technology to the UK and play a crucial role in facilitating the transition to electric mobility. The factory’s primary anchor customers will be Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Motors, with the supply of batteries set to commence from 2026. The collaboration with these esteemed automotive companies will strengthen Tata’s commitment to the UK and create a competitive green tech ecosystem on a large scale.
UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, lauded Tata Sons’ decision to establish the gigafactory in the UK, hailing it as a significant vote of confidence in Britain. The investment will mark one of the most substantial ever made in the UK automotive sector, leading to the creation of thousands of skilled jobs across the country. Moreover, this move will bolster the UK’s position in the global shift towards electric vehicles, fostering growth in clean industries of the future.
The gigafactory’s main objective will be to produce high-quality, high-performance, and sustainable battery cells and packs for various applications in the mobility and energy sectors. Tata’s strategic growth plans will prioritize a rapid ramp-up phase, ensuring the factory commences production as scheduled in 2026. The company also aims to maximize the utilization of renewable energy, aspiring to achieve 100% clean power for the facility. By adopting innovative technologies and resource-efficient processes like battery recycling, the gigafactory intends to create a truly circular economy ecosystem, recovering and reusing all original raw materials.
The Tata Group, founded in 1868 by Jamsetji Tata, operates across ten verticals with 30 companies under its umbrella. Operating in over 100 countries and six continents, the group has a steadfast mission of improving the quality of life for the communities it serves through long-term stakeholder value creation based on “Leadership with Trust.” Tata Sons serves as the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata enterprises, with 66% of its equity share capital held by philanthropic trusts supporting education, health, livelihood generation, and art and culture.
In the fiscal year 2021-22, the combined revenue of Tata companies reached an impressive $128 billion (INR 9.6 trillion). These companies collectively employ over 935,000 people, contributing significantly to the global economy. With 29 publicly listed Tata enterprises boasting a combined market capitalization of $311 billion (INR 23.6 trillion) as of March 31, 2022, the group has established itself as a major player in various industries worldwide.
The establishment of the battery cell gigafactory in the UK is a testament to Tata Sons’ commitment to sustainability, innovation, and partnership with leading automotive giants. As the world moves towards greener and cleaner technologies, this investment represents a major stride in shaping a sustainable and eco-friendly future for the automotive and energy sectors in the UK and Europe. The gigafactory’s success will undoubtedly strengthen Tata’s foothold in the UK while contributing significantly to the global effort to combat climate change and foster a more sustainable planet.
