ISG has begun enabling works on the Gigaplant site in Cambois, Northumberland which will create around 3,000 direct jobs
Britishvolt has now instructed ISG to commence enabling works on the Gigaplant site in Cambois, Northumberland.
The Gigaplant will bring with it around 3,000 direct jobs and 5,000 associated jobs in the supply chain.
‘A landmark event for UK manufacturing and the automotive industry’
Richard McDonell, Britishvolt project director, said: “Today is a historic day as it marks the start of construction on the UK’s premier Gigaplant, Britishvolt – a landmark event for UK manufacturing and the automotive industry on the road to zero.
“It is a pleasure to see our tier one construction partner ISG, and its world-class workforce, commence preliminary works on site ahead of the main construction programme, which we anticipate will start in late autumn/early winter. This initial phase will see the site cleared and preparatory work carried out for the services and infrastructure that will support construction activity.
“This is yet another milestone on our journey to building the UK’s first full-scale Gigaplant. It’s a boost for UK plc and the real kick-start of the energy transition, of which Britishvolt batteries will be at the very heart.
“Main construction will see over 2,500 people involved in the project, a huge positive for the UK.
“This is an exciting announcement and marks the tangible start and progress of the main factory building where we will be producing some of the world’s lowest carbon, sustainable battery cells to help accelerate the transition to a low carbon future.”
Peter Millett, high tech managing director for ISG’s engineering services business, commented: “The positive momentum, passion and sense of genuine excitement that underpins this nationally important project is driving the entire team forward at pace, and this significant construction milestone demonstrates our collective commitment to UK manufacturing and to supporting communities across Northumberland.
“This is the starting point for the transformation of a disused site in Cambois with a legacy in the industrial past, that from today will become a beacon for innovation and advanced manufacturing right here in the North East.”
The project will be built in phases towards total capacity by the end of 2027 onwards.
Once at full capacity, the Gigaplant will have a production capability equating to approximately enough cells for around 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs per year, intended primarily for the automotive industry.
It will be the first large full cycle Gigaplant in the UK.
