Fortescue, in collaboration with WAE (formerly Williams Advanced Engineering), is expanding its battery and electric powertrain production operations in the UK. The company has announced the establishment of a new advanced facility in Oxfordshire, which will create over 120 job opportunities.
The expansion aligns with Fortescue's commitment to enhancing its presence in the UK and leveraging the expertise of iconic British manufacturers. By investing in British engineering and integrating WAE's battery systems, Fortescue aims to lead the green energy economy and provide world-leading technology to the global industrial sector.
In line with the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Fortescue will inaugurate a state-of-the-art site in Banbury, Oxfordshire. This expansion will significantly enhance the company's manufacturing capabilities in the UK, allowing for the global supply of advanced batteries and electric powertrains.
The new facility will primarily focus on producing a wide range of zero-emission products for the off-road sector, including trucks and trains. It forms part of Fortescue's global business strategy, which aims to drive decarbonization across various economic fields while nurturing emerging technology capabilities.
Encompassing a total area of over 13,500m2, the factory will employ more than 120 highly skilled engineers, technicians, apprentices, and graduates. Recruitment for the industrialization program has already commenced.
This announcement reinforces the importance of building sovereign capability in Australia and the UK, particularly in areas critical to future economic development. It also underscores the success of the UK Government's free trade agenda.
The integration with WAE follows Fortescue's strategic preparations to meet the increasing global demand for advanced electrification technology solutions in the off-highway sector.
The expansion announcement comes after the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement's implementation, which emphasizes the development of next-generation manufacturing and capabilities.
The new Banbury facility will operate alongside Fortescue's existing Oxfordshire sites, including the Kidlington factory set to open later this year. Covering an area of 13,500m2, the Banbury site will be purpose-built for heavy industry and the manufacturing of electric and zero-emission powertrain systems. It will offer automated assembly for battery modules and packs, assembly of power conversion and power systems, as well as support for truck and train production.
The first prototype build is targeted for completion in July/August 2023, with the initial mining haul truck module scheduled for completion in August 2023.
The site is scheduled to open officially in 2024 and will create employment opportunities at all levels, including apprentices and graduates. It will also serve as a showcase for WAE's future rollout of high-tech manufacturing hubs worldwide.
Kemi Badenoch, the Business and Trade Secretary, commented on the development, stating, "Fortescue's investment in Oxford demonstrates how the government is fostering an environment that attracts cutting-edge advanced manufacturing companies to invest in the UK. The new state-of-the-art site will strengthen the UK's electric vehicle supply chain and create over 120 highly skilled jobs, contributing to economic growth."
