UKBIC's Managing Director, Jeff Pratt, said:

"The announcement is a significant landmark for UK industry, including the automotive sector and its supply chain, as well as the construction industry and other sectors planning to source batteries for electrification. The new gigafactory, at 40GWh, will be one of the largest in Europe, and the creation of direct and indirect jobs will significantly boost employment and economic opportunity and bring vital long-term stability for the future of UK automotive.

“Today’s news, coupled with last year’s gigafactory investment announcement from AESC in Sunderland, sends strong signals to global investors and those working in the battery sector, that the UK is a country with a battery industry worth investing in.

“UKBIC will continue to support companies who are looking to scale up battery production, up-skill their workforce and participate in the UK Government-funded Faraday Battery Challenge’s mission to build a high-tech, high-value, high-skill battery industry in the UK."