I WAS thrilled to see the announcement of Agratas gigafactory's decision to establish its operations at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, writes Cllr Gill Slocombe.
This landmark decision marks a significant milestone not only for Somerset but for the entire UK automotive sector.
The selection of Bridgwater, Somerset, as the site for Britain’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility underscores our potential as a hub for clean energy innovation and economic growth.
With a £4 billion investment and the creation of 4,000 new jobs, this project promises to invigorate our local economy and provide opportunities for generations to come.
As I reflect on the journey that led to this momentous occasion, it was a privilege to be the Portfolio holder for Inward and Investment, as Chair of the Gravity Board.
I am filled with gratitude for the tireless efforts of all those involved.
From community leaders to dedicated council members, from skilled professionals to committed stakeholders, it was truly a team effort.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Duncan McGinty, former Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, Doug Bamsey, former Deputy CEO, Bob Brown, former CEO, Stuart Houlet, Cllr Mark Healey, and the entire Gravity Board for their unwavering dedication to bringing this project to fruition.
It's important to acknowledge the role played by the former Conservative-led Sedgemoor District Council and our MP Ian Liddell-Grainger in securing both the Gravity site and of course the huge Hinkley Point C investment.
Our joint vision and commitment to driving economic growth and fostering innovation have been instrumental in positioning Bridgwater and wider Sedgemoor as a leader in the clean energy revolution.
As we look ahead to the future, I am confident that the Agratas Gigafactory will not only accelerate the UK's transition to electric vehicles but also serve as a catalyst for further investment and development in and around Bridgwater.
We have laid the foundation for a cleaner, smarter future, and I am proud to have been part of this historic endeavour.
