Car Manufacturer JLR to Allocate £500 Million for Electric Vehicle Production in Merseyside
In a significant move towards electrification, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a transformative investment of 500 million pounds in its Halewood facility, originally built in 1963. This historic plant, located in Merseyside, England, is being reimagined for the electric era, marking JLR's first all-electric production facility.
The transformation includes a vast array of innovative technologies and infrastructure. JLR has introduced 40 new Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to assist with high-voltage battery fitment, a crucial step in the production of electric vehicles. Additionally, new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibration rigs have been installed, capable of measuring ADAS responsiveness. These rigs are now an integral part of the facility, ensuring each vehicle leaves with the safest level of calibration for future autonomous driving.
The site has been extended by 32,364 sqm to produce JLR's medium-sized electric luxury SUVs. The new production lines have completed the first test builds of EMA body shells, a promising sign of the facility's readiness for mass production. The new body shop, capable of producing 500 vehicle bodies per day, is a testament to the scale of the transformation.
JLR is betting on advanced AI-powered autonomous driving and connected services for its next-generation vehicles. To support this ambition, the facility now features advanced laser measurement technology for automated fitment of doors to vehicles. This technology, combined with the 750 autonomous robots already in operation, is expected to significantly increase efficiency and precision in the production process.
To further enhance the facility's capabilities, JLR has plans to install 18,000 photovoltaic panels at Halewood. This solar array is expected to produce 8,600 GWh of energy, equating to 10% of the site's energy consumption. This sustainable energy source is a key part of JLR's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The transformation also includes a new training and development centre, focusing on High Voltage Training (HVT) involving battery assembly processes. Over 1,600 employees have already completed HVT, with a further one hundred employees to be trained. This investment in employee development reflects JLR's commitment to preparing its workforce for the electric era.
JLR aims to remove 40,000 tonnes of CO2e from Halewood's industrial footprint as part of its carbon net zero targets. This ambition is supported by digital plant management systems, which improve efficiency and reduce waste, as well as partnerships with suppliers like Magna, technology firms such as Bosch, and government initiatives, among others.
In addition, JLR is investing 20 million pounds each year across all of its sites for employee re-skilling, demonstrating a long-term commitment to its workforce and the future of the automotive industry.
The transformation of the Halewood facility is a significant step forward for JLR in its journey towards electrification. By 2030, JLR aims to electrify all its brands, and by 2039, achieve carbon net zero across its supply chain, products, and operations. This ambitious plan is a testament to JLR's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.
