Local MP Mike Wood has been given a preview of Jaguar Land Rover’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre at the i54 Business Park.

On the visit, the areas local MP was given a tour of the site and heard about the business's electrification plans. 

Formerly the Engine Manufacturing Centre, the site which was built in 2014 following £500 million investment to manufacture JLR’s leading combustion engine technology is now receiving a further investment of £356m to install equipment that allows the manufacturing of battery packs and electric drive units.

JLR say the facility is playing a vital role in delivering the businesses Reimagine strategy and will make Electric Drive Units (EDUs), inverters, battery packs and control modules in-house alongside combustion engines.

Following his visit, Mike said: “It’s been great to visit the EPMC today to hear more about JLR’s exciting electrification plans and to lookaround the 106-acre site.

“The facility is clearly undergoing a huge transformation to make sure this important British brand is at the forefront of the electriccar generation. 

“Not only does the EPMC directly provide jobs for local people, but it also creates and sustains hundreds of other jobs through its local supply chains.

“I’m looking forward to working with JLR and the EPMC team as the business moves to seize the opportunities of this exciting new chapter.” 

Marc Bauden, Director, Propulsion Manufacturing Operations, JLR, added: “It was great to welcome Mike Wood MP to the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre to showcase the fantastic facility, which, over the past 12 months, has seen a significant uplift in readiness for the production ofElectric Drive Units and batteries.

“The EPMC will be home to our next generation of electrified products, which is an exciting time to uplift the skills of our employees.

”As we move forward with this transition, learning new technologies and processes will be critical to support the production of Electric Drive Units and batteries.

“From laser welding to electrification safety, our people will be best in class to drive us forward on our journey to electrification.”