Britishvolt and its 'gigafactory' collapse into administration: Local leaders respond

The leader of Northumberland County Council, along with other local figures of authority, has expressed his great disappointment at news that car battery maker Britishvolt has gone into administration, but says he remains hopeful for the future .

The huge site near Cambois was earmarked for a ‘gigafactory’, producing a new generation of electric car batteries, and was set to provide 3,000 jobs directly on the site and up to 5,000 more in the plant’s supply chain. However this week the company went into administration.

Council Leader Glen Sanderson commented: “This is extremely disappointing news – for all those connected with the company and those who have lost their jobs, and also those who have lost their dream of working here. It’s also a blow for the communities in and around Cambois, the county and the wider region.

“However it is a hugely valuable site with so much potential and the council has done everything it can over the past two years to support the company. We’re determined to find a new investor for this site in an area which has a growing track record in attracting high-tech industry and high quality jobs.

“We will continue to work with Government to pursue our growth ambitions and are doing everything we can to bring forward the jobs and investment that are so important for Northumberland.

“When we undertook the sale of the land we took care to ensure a number of safeguards were put in place, including a buy back option on the site for our original selling price - if a battery plant is not built there.”

John McCabe, chief executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce, added: “The collapse of Britishvolt and this missed opportunity is extremely disappointing news for the region. My thoughts are with all of the employees who have lost their jobs and I hope they will all find good employment in the region very soon.

“The Cambois site has great potential thanks to the exceptional local workforce, its scale and the surrounding electrical and logistical connectivity.

“The North East remains a fantastic place to invest in the creation and growth of businesses. We must learn the lessons of the Britishvolt experience and work together as a region to welcome future investment opportunities and ensure they are brought to fruition.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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