THE developers behind Bridgwater’s £4 billion Gravity gigafactory are inviting Somerset businesses to attend its upcoming collaboration event.

Agratas is hosting the event, along with the gigafactory’s delivery partner, Sir Robert McAlpine. Both are committed to a community-first approach, with the aim of collaborating with supply chain partners in Somerset to seed new opportunities and benefits for local people around the area of Bridgwater.

It follows the recent release of detailed plans for the first phase of the facility’s development, which is expected to materialise before Christmas pending planning approval from Somerset Council. Under the proposals, the majority of the first building will be dedicated to battery cell manufacturing.  Building One and ancillary development comprises 244,710 sqm GEA of built area, more than 35% larger than Wembley Stadium.

Speaking about the event, Agratas said: “If you are a small or medium Somerset-based firm currently working, or aspiring to work, with the construction industry, we want to hear from you.”

Specifically, the developers are seeking businesses with the requisite core skills and competencies to deliver the following trades:

  • Catering
  • Offsite consolidation centre
  • Shuttle / mini-buses / coaches
  • Ancillary / Secondary Steelwork metalwork
  • Mastic
  • Office cleaning
  • Temp Electrics (Site set up only)
  • Builders Clean
  • Signage
  • Soft Landscaping / Planting
  • B&Bs / Hotel rental

Once complete, the project is set to be one of the biggest of its kind and by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the automotive sector, supercharging Britain’s transition to electric mobility.

The free ticketed event will take place on Tuesday, October 8 from 8am to 12pm. The location for the event is The Canalside Conference Centre, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 6LQ. There will be a presentation between 9.30am to 10.30am, providing an overview of the scheme and progress to date, along with details of upcoming packages to be awarded.

Tickets can be booked at Eventbrite by visiting: https://bit.ly/4gDBHDC