Britishvolt the company behind the project to build the UK’s first lithium-ion battery gigaplant, has joined Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation. Britishvolt recently announced the site of the £2.6 billion facility in Northumberland which will be one of the largest manufacturing plants in Europe.

With supply chain partners co-located, and ‘green’ low-carbon energy production on its doorstep, the facility aims to produce enough cells for round 300,000 lithium-ion battery packs each year when fully operational in 2027. It will be key to maintaining the success of the UK automotive sector and will employ 3,000 highly skilled employees directly and support another 5,000 jobs in the supply chain.

Make UK represents 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multi-nationals, in engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. As well as being one of the UK’s major business bodies, it also provides a range of business services to keep companies competitive, including one of the UK’s most advanced technology training centres based in Birmingham where the organisation is training up apprentices to help deliver the next generation of engineers.

Through its policy work, Make UK shares the ambition of Britishvolt to deliver sustainable transport, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. It is currently working with the Government to deliver a renewed Industrial Strategy which will have these elements, along with a digital workforce, at its core.

Stephen Phipson, Make UK chief executive, said: “The commitment of Britishvolt to the UK is a testament to the fact the country remains at the forefront of investment in high technology and innovation. Such an endorsement of the UK’s manufacturing capability is critical to the future of the sector, in particular securing the jewel in the crown of the domestic automotive sector. I look forward to working with Britishvolt to promote our shared objectives.”

Peter Rolton, Britishvolt chairman added: “We are looking forward to being an active member of Make UK, working alongside the manufacturing industry to help future-proof the UK economy. The country needs a gigaplant as a matter of strategic importance to help protect the UK workforce and create a new industry that will serve future generations. Electrification of mobility will play a key part in shaping the evolution of employment in the UK.”