Jaguar Land Rover is to build its gigafactory in Somerset after much speculation as to is location.

The new plant, near Bridgwater, will be one of the largest in Europe, and battery production at the new factory is due to start in 2026.

The plant could create 9,000 new jobs as well as ensuring an expanding supply chain. The factory would be the second of its kind in the UK, after Nissan's plant in Sunderland, with another facility being constructed in Northumberland. The three plants put the UK well ahead of the EU’s proposed plants that average just over one plant per country.

JLR owner Tata had considered other locations, including the Midlands and Spain, but ultimately the combinations of location, skills and government help tipped the balance.

Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) welcomed the news: “There is no question that this is great news for the UK economy, with the prospect of thousands of jobs. For the UK to become a centre of excellence in the electric battery field is crucial for future decarbonisation ambitions.”

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