New WAE off-road battery site to create 120 jobs

Mining giant Fortescue purchased WAE (formerly Williams Advanced Engineering) in January 2022, with the two having previously collaborated on the development of a battery electric mining haul truck. According to Fortescue, the new 13,500m2 Banbury site will focus primarily on manufacturing of electric/zero-emission powertrain systems for heavy industry, providing automated assembly for battery modules and packs, assembly of power conversion and power systems, as well as truck and train production support. It’s claimed the new facility will employ over 120 engineers, technicians, apprentices and graduates.  

“With Fortescue’s investment, British engineering will be at the cutting edge of the green energy economy with WAE’s battery systems providing world leading technology to the entire global industrial sector,” Dr Forrest said.

In March 2022, shortly after Fortescue purchased WAE, the pair announced they were working together on a concept called Infinity Train, a regenerating battery electric iron ore train project that uses gravitational energy to fully recharge its battery systems. At the time, Fortescue’s rail operations included 54 operating locomotives that haul 16 train sets, together with other on-track mobile equipment.