Fortescue to produce batteries and electric powertrains in the UK

Fortescue Future Industries has announced that it is significantly expanding its battery and electric powertrain production operations in the UK with the announcement of an additional state-of-the-art facility in Oxfordshire, creating more than 120 jobs.

Fortescue Chairman Andrew Forrest said the expansion is part of Fortescue’s commitment to grow its British presence through the recent integration of iconic British manufacturer WAE (formerly Williams Advanced Engineering).

“With Fortescue’s investment, British engineering will be at the cutting edge of the green energy economy with WAE’s battery systems providing world-leading technology to the entire global industrial sector,” he said.

“It is heartening to have the UK’s Trade Secretary today at our factory in Oxfordshire to support this message of British technology excellence for both its people and its highly attractive working environment.”

Following entry-into-force of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Fortescue will open the new site in Banbury, Oxfordshire, significantly expanding its UK manufacturing capability, supplying advanced batteries and electric powertrains globally. The company said the new location will be focused on production of a wide range of zero-emission products for the off-road sector including trucks and trains. It will form part of a new global business aimed at driving decarbonisation in all fields of economic activity, while building sovereign capabilities in emerging technology.

The factory will cover over 13,500 m² in total and employ over 120 skilled engineers, technicians, apprentices and graduates, with recruitment for the industrialisation program starting now.

The integration follows Fortescue gearing up to meet growing global demand for the development, manufacture and supply of advanced electrification technology solutions to the off-highway sector.

The new Banbury facility will operate alongside Fortescue’s other Oxfordshire facilities including the Kidlington factory that will open later this year.

The first prototype build is targeted for July or August 2023 with the first mining haul truck module due for completion in August 2023.

Image: Artist’s impression.