Britishvolt secures ‘multi-million-pound’ deal with WMG to power up plans

A company behind an 3000-job Northumberland vehicle battery factory says it has secured a “multi-million-pound” partnership that will drive forward its plans.

Britishvolt is working with the University of Warwick-based WMG innovation hub.

Bosses say the two-year agreement – which follows an initial 12-month project – “will assist with battery cell development and optimization”.

The deal adds to testing work already being conducted by the firm ahead of the expected opening of its plant [pictured above] in Cambois, near Blyth, Northumberland, in 2024, which it says will make around 300,000 batteries every year, employ 3000 direct staff and create and support up to 5000 supply chain roles.

Dr Allan Paterson, Britishvolt chief technical officer, said: “We are delighted to extend and expand our relationship and programme of work with WMG at the University of Warwick.

“The battery science, advanced materials and cell prototyping expertise and capability at WMG has directly, and positively, supported our battery technology development programme.

“This gives us not only an excellent basis to progress from, but the relationship also enables us to develop our products further.”

The deal comes just days after Britishvolt revealed it had struck up a partnership with Northumberland College and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre to nurture the next generation.

Officials say the college will cultivate Britishvolt production line and technician apprentices, and support the business’ BV FutureGen Foundation, which will provide gateway qualifications into STEM and renewables sectors.