A new UK battery manufacturing facility has opened, marking one of the first of its type in Europe, helping secure jobs for the North East.

The Sunderland facility aims to produce 30,000 packs each year

The Sunderland-based HYVE is the UK’s largest independent battery manufacturing facilities, outside major OEMs, with the new site aiming to produce around 30,000 packs annually.

Hyperdrive – a company that designs and manufactures lithium-ion technology – invested £7m into its manufacturing capabilities since moving to the site in 2014.

The packs will be produced for the company’s international customers, which it says has growing demand, as well as clients including the world’s largest online grocery retailer and JCB.

Chris Pennison, CEO of Hyperdrive, says: “We’re working with some of the most forward-thinking and innovative organisations in the world as their trusted electrification and energy storage partner. HYVE enables us to deliver a high-quality product, providing our customers with the right energy at the right time.”

Andrew Stephenson MP, UK Government Business Minister, commented: “We are committed to establishing the UK as a world leader in battery technology.

“Its customers include some of the world’s most recognisable brands, from major supermarkets to manufacturers of off-road vehicles, all of whom will benefit from having high-quality batteries, made right here in the UK.”

The company produces battery packs for off-highway, material handling, stationary & portable energy storage facilities.