AN ADDITIONAL £28million of government funding has been granted to the sustainable battery technology research centre in Coventry.
The government’s business secretary Greg Clark and mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street today (May 16) unveiled in Coventry what they are calling a new Local Industrial Strategy for the West Midlands.
Long-existing plans to make Coventry and the West Midlands the centre of electric battery technology will be boosted by the latest multi-million pound grant.
Announced at the region’s Advanced Propulsion Centre, a research and development facility in Lord Bhattacharyya Way, Coventry, the grant will accelerate the development of the next generation of battery technology for electric vehicles at the UK’s flagship Battery Industrialisation Centre.
Business secretary Greg Clark said: “The launch of this first Local Industrial Strategy in the West Midlands is testament to the local civic and business leadership in the region, builds on its continued success to ensure every community across the region reaches their potential.
“Our modern Industrial Strategy aims to boost productivity across the country by backing businesses to create good jobs and increase earning power.
“Our funding for the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre in Coventry is a key part of this, and will see a world-class facility developed in this automotive heartland, further cementing opportunities, growth and inward investment in the West Midlands.”
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “The West Midlands is already home to the industries of tomorrow. We have some of the world’s most competitive and innovative companies in advanced manufacturing, electric and autonomous vehicle development and medical research.
“It will help us tackle issues like air pollution and climate change while creating a robust economy for the future – one that delivers decent, well paid jobs for local people and the righr conditions for competitive, world leading businesses to thrive and grow.”
