Battery firm Britishvolt has announced plans to open a new global headquarters in the West Midlands.
The company - an investor in advanced battery technologies - is setting-up a new 5,000 square-metre facility at the MIRA Technology Park campus near Coventry, to spearhead the development of battery technologies for future electrified vehicles.
Further developments are also being considered which could see Britishvolt expand the site, opening up the opportunity to bring highly skilled and specialist jobs to the West Midlands.
The announcement comes just a week after the Government confirmed plans to ban all petrol and diesel vehicle production by 2030.
Britishvolt CEO, Orral Nadjari, said: "A new global headquarters in the West Midlands marks a crucial step for Britishvolt, especially coming so soon after last week's announcement regarding the new 2030 deadline.
"The battery industry is constantly evolving and it's important that we stay ahead to position the UK at the forefront of the global battery industry.
"With further development being planned it is in the right place to take advantage of world-class talent. We intend to produce world-class batteries, which are strategically important both for the future of the UK automotive industry and the future strength of the entire UK economy. We are hoping to start working closely with local government to help make our additional plans for future development a certainty."
MIRA Technology Park managing director, Tim Nathan, said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome Britishvolt to MIRA Technology Park. It joins a large number of companies dedicated to the UK being at the forefront of automotive innovation.
"Britishvolt's mission to develop and produce world-class lithium-ion batteries is crucial to the future of the UK automotive industry as we rapidly progress to an electrified future."
Britishvolt chief strategy officer, Isobel Sheldon, added: "World-leading talent in the right place is essential if Britishvolt is to stay ahead of the battery technology curve. We are working hard to ensure that we are perfectly placed to take advantage of the leading skills that we have in the UK."
Britishvolt's is dedicated to supporting the future of electrified transportation and sustainable energy storage, producing world-leading lithium-ion battery technologies.
It's mission is to build the UK's first battery gigaplant, and it is working with leading partners and suppliers to establish the UK as the leading force in battery technology.
