Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, has confirmed that it will build a gigafactory on the Gravity Smart Campus in Puriton in what will be a £4 billion investment.

A significant land holding has been acquired at Gravity, making Agratas the first and primary occupier on the site.

The 40 GWh factory, which will create up to 4,000 new jobs, is set to be the biggest battery factory in the country.

It is believed that by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.

Councillor Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “This is momentous for the county, its economy and for future generations.

“It’s about seizing an incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry that will create thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid, green jobs.”