.png)
.png)
A monumental change to the UK’s automotive supply chain is taking shape in Sunderland, as AESC’s new gigafactory takes shape. The groundbreaking facility will transform the production of electric vehicle batteries not just within the North East region, but across the UK’s automotive sector, thanks to the increased capacity for lithium-ion battery production which will be achieved with AESC’s new 15.8GWh gigafactory.
Rearing up for production
360 metres long and 30 metres high, it’s easily recognisable to passers by on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), off the A19 in East Boldon, Sunderland. It’s an ideal location thanks to its easy access from surrounding areas including Morpeth, Newcastle, Durham and Darlington, thanks to its short connection to the A1 and A1M.
In recent months the first group of new starters who’ll be working as Production Operators on the project headed to New College Durham to complete their Battery Fundamentals course which has been established in partnership with AESC. It marks a significant milestone for the project it moves one step closer to starting EV battery production within the new gigafactory.
Shifting the focus to maintaining an EV gigafactory
AESC UK’s team have manufactured electric vehicle batteries in Sunderland for over 13 years, and everyone involved in the production takes a huge deal of pride in creating industry leading battery innovation.
Any company operating within the automotive industry understands the fast pace needed to keep up with production timescales and manage just-in-time logistics. For AESC ensuring the smooth running on their extensive manufacturing equipment is of the highest priority, to minimise downtime and allow around the clock production to be safely undertaken.
Building a maintenance team
To meet production demand, a team of Maintenance Technicians are being recruited to work with the gigafactory’s new industry-leading manufacturing technology. Laura Smith in AESC’s gigafactory recruitment team explains why the Maintenance Technicians will be crucial when production commences.
“Anyone who’s worked in the automotive industry before will understand how important it is that the production equipment is performing at its best, and the maintenance team has a busy job keeping everything in optimum condition. For those people who are experienced Maintenance Technicians but haven’t worked in automotive before, I challenge you to spend a month in our new gigafactory and not be instantly invested, as it’s an engineering environment like no other. We’re helping to produce lithium-ion batteries that supports the UK’s transition to net zero, so it’s an exciting time to join AESC. We’re proud to have cutting-edge equipment within our facilities and it’s a great opportunity to be able to maintain it whilst identifying process improvements. You’ll be joining a fantastic team of people who are time served electrical and mechanical technicians and are more than happy to spend time showing you every you need to know, so you’ll quickly be up and running managing your own workload.”
Now recruiting for Maintenance Technicians
The recruitment team are looking to hear from Maintenance Technicians, including Electrical and Mechanical Technicians who have experience working in high volume industries such as automotive, FMCG, pharmaceutical and primary metal production.
Previous work history with PLC controls, vision systems, fixed variable speed drives, robotics, pneumatics, conveyor system and AGV, boilers and hydraulics is advantageous. Together with an ONC, BTEC or NVQ Level 3 in electrical or mechanical engineering.
If you’re interested in growing your career in AESC’s new Sunderland gigafactory, then you can find out more and apply at gigajobs.aesc.co.uk/maintenance.
Did you know?
NRL are proud to be partnering with AESC to recruit for hundreds of roles on the new gigafactory, with other roles including Production Operators and Material Handling Operators.
You can find out more about why AESC is a great career move and the various roles available at gigajobs.aesc.co.uk.