Fast-growing energy storage firm, GivEnergy, has officially opened its first UK manufacturing facility. Situated strategically in the heart of the Midlands, the company believes that the cutting-edge facility signifies a pivotal moment for the UK clean energy sector.
The newly opened facility will primarily manufacture commercial energy storage systems. It also leaves space to bring in the future manufacturing of the company’s smaller products, such as its EV charger. Meanwhile, the factory will simultaneously repair, recycle, and reuse damaged or old GivEnergy battery systems via a custom-built R&D lab.
With both the production of new products and the restoration of old, GivEnergy tells us that the new facility is a testament to its commitment to a greener future. The site itself is a physical, working testament to sustainability by virtue of the addition of solar panels and the use of its own commercial energy storage system. Furthermore, the building is not just net zero – it is actually net positive to the grid.
Jason Howlett, CEO of GivEnergy Group CEO, comments, “We’re absolutely passionate about turning North Staffordshire into a centre of excellence for the renewables industry. This new manufacturing site is just one part of that mission. We’ve already invested substantially in the region over the past 18 months with a new HQ, additional property acquisitions, and heavy recruitment drives. Now, we’re thrilled to be able to continue fostering economic growth and creating highly-skilled job opportunities via a British manufacturing facility.”
Marking the opening was an inaugural launch event held on 26th April, 2024. In attendance were esteemed Government guests such as Amanda Solloway – Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) and Aaron Bell MP. Also present were prominent figures from the likes of Octopus Energy, E.ON, Beat the Cold charity, multiple renewables wholesale leaders, and more.
Speaking at the event, both Amanda Solloway and Aaron Bell praised GivEnergy’s growth story – expressing excitement over what this degree of momentum represents for progressing the UK’s clean energy initiatives and combatting fuel poverty.
Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle Under Lyme, commented, “I was thrilled to be asked to open this amazing new facility which will genuinely have a great impact on people’s lives. GivEnergy is a fantastic entrepreneurial business which has grown amazingly over these last few years. Its battery technology can lift people out of fuel poverty with greener energy, and it is working at pace with charities and Government to achieve that.
“I am delighted to see this Newcastle-based business go from strength to strength. Congratulations to Jason Howlett and his team at GivEnergy for creating local jobs and growing manufacturing here in North Staffordshire, while combating fuel poverty and promoting sustainability. This amazing local business has rapidly grown over the past five years, expanding globally to South Africa, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Australia. I look forward to seeing its progress over the next five years.”
GivEnergy’s new manufacturing site will create multiple jobs spanning engineering, warehousing, and R&D. Plus, having this additional (and substantial) site will allow the company to stimulate electrical jobs via an expanded training facility for its approved installer programme. This will double GivEnergy’s existing training capacity to help meet demand – allowing ever-more qualified electricians become certified to fit battery storage systems.
“It’s gratifying to receive support from so many senior government officials and local stakeholders”, adds Jason. “The movement around clean energy is accelerating, and we’re proud to help drive that charge.
“With our first UK manufacturing facility, we’re reaffirming our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower energy freedom for all – whether that’s businesses, communities, individual homeowners, or social housing residents. And, better yet, we’re doing it from right here in the UK.”
With operations now underway, GivEnergy plans to leverage these nearshored manufacturing capabilities. The company now looks forward to driving technological advancements in battery storage systems – contributing to the UK’s ambitious climate goals while delivering tangible benefits to customers and society at large.
For more from GivEnergy, click here.