Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, has announced the successful completion of the steel frame for its new facility in Bridgwater, Somerset.

Construction work initially began on the multi-billion-pound project in 2024 and, once complete, it will be the largest of its kind in the UK. It is set to play a crucial role in advancing clean technology and sustainable energy, producing battery cells for automotive and energy storage solutions.

The newly constructed giant steel frame spans 525 metres in length, 167 metres in width, and reaches 34 metres at its highest point, covering the entire footprint of Agratas’ Building One – the landmark first phase of the project.

In total, 23,000 tonnes of steel were used to develop Building One’s frame and its key ancillary buildings – the same amount of steel used to build Wembley Stadium. A team of more than 500 people contributed to the complex operation, with 100% of the steel frame sourced from the UK.

Achievement of the major structural phase paves the way for the next stages of construction, which include external cladding, roofing installation, and internal fit-out.

Earl Wiggins, Agratas’ vice president, manufacturing operations, said: “Reaching this milestone is about more than just beams and steel – it represents an important step in bringing this facility to life. It also demonstrates the momentum of the project and our commitment to developing world-class battery manufacturing capacity here in the UK.”

The large-scale steel operation has been delivered by Agratas’ construction delivery partner, Sir Robert McAlpine, in collaboration with steel contractor Severfield and the integrated design and engineering team at Stantec.

Craig Allen, sector managing director, industrial, Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Completing the steel frame for Building One is a tremendous milestone for everyone involved in this landmark project. It showcases the strength of our collaboration with Agratas and Severfield, and the expertise of the teams working tirelessly on site.

“We are proud to be playing a central role in delivering a facility that will support the UK’s clean energy ambitions, create thousands of skilled jobs, and help position the country at the forefront of next generation battery manufacturing.”

Recruitment will continue over the course of the next year – reaching a total of approximately 1,600 people – to support battery cell production at Agratas’ Somerset facility. The positions will span operations, maintenance, quality, technical, engineering, and logistics functions.

Once fully operational, the overall facility is set to create around 4,000 jobs and contribute over £700m in annual economic value to the South West region.

Recently Costain was appoint to  design and build a new junction on the M5 motorway in Somerset, which will give critical access to the new Agratas site.