Tata gigafactory ‘not enough’ to save industry but ‘a good start’ – Institute of Mechanical Engineers

Tata’s decision to build a new electric car battery plant in Somerset has been welcomed by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The institute said the gigafactory represents a “good start” in the drive to revive an ailing UK automotive sector, but emphasised the need for additional investment in order to support growth and EVs as part of the country’s decarbonisation strategy.

The institution’s head of policy, Matt Rooney, said: “The UK’s car industry has faced significant challenges recently, so this is a boost to the sector. Projects like this will maintain manufacturing capacity and help to develop new jobs and skills as we decarbonise the transport system.

Domestic battery manufacturing will be a key component of vehicle manufacturing in the future. Having gigafactories located in the UK will grow supply chains and make the country a more attractive place for inward investment in R&D and vehicle assembly plants.

This is not enough alone to save an industry in peril, but it is a very good start.”

Paul Jones, chair of IMechE technical strategy board and chief executive of the Northern Automotive Alliance, said: “It is fantastic news for the automotive sector and economy. The UK has a long history of leadership in automotive engineering and it is a vital industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people in high-skilled jobs. Ensuring the sector continues to thrive should be a priority for the Government. As we transition to Net Zero, exciting projects like this will help inspire a new generation of future engineers who are interested in pursuing a career that is centred around delivering a more sustainable future.”