The CEO of the 8,000-job Britishvolt factory in Northumberland has stepped down days after a leaked report said the project was on 'life support'.

The company's Founder and Chief Executive Orral Nadjari is to be replaced by Dr Graham Hoare OBE, currently Britishvolt’s President of Global Operations.

He will need all of his 20 years of experience in the automotive industry to lead the £3.8bn plan after it was repeorted there was a major funding gap which had caused delays to steel infrastructure and earthworks.

​Read more: North East factory bosses hit back at claims it is on 'life support' amid cuts

The company has already said: "We are progressing ahead of schedule in our enabling works at the Britishvolt Gigasite in Cambois, near Blyth, Northumberland. This has allowed us to take the time to focus on design work for the site and to reschedule some strands of construction work" but news that the founder is leaving will only increase pressure on the project to show long-term plans and progress.

The project on a 93-hectare site at the former Blyth Power Station in Cambois would be a major boost for Northumberland, and as well as 3,000 direct highly-skilled jobs, another 5,000 will be created in the associated supply chains.

Once at full capacity, the Gigaplant - the fourth largest building in the UK - will have a production capability equating to approximately enough cells for around 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs per year, intended primarily for the automotive industry.

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It has already received Government funding believed to be around £100million and a long-term partnership with Trixtax and abrdn that will deliver £1.7bn in private funding.

As it announced the  CEO's departure a company spokesperson said:  "In line with plans, its first cell samples will be sent to customers this summer; testing indicates these will surpass quality and performance expectations."

Orral Nadjari said: “I am extremely proud of what Britishvolt has achieved since the business was founded in2019, exceeding all expectations and bringing my vision to life. My vision was only possible because of all of the foresight of UK Government in creating a world-class battery cell ecosystem.

"In less than three years, we have created an enduring and sustainable organisation and remain focused to hit our mid-decade strategy of Phase One production at our UK Gigaplant.

“Although it was a difficult decision for me to step away from the operational management of the company, now is the right time for me to pass the reins, after laying the foundations, to our hugely talented, world-leading team, who will drive the business forwards as it enters the execution phase. They have my complete trust to take Britishvolt to the next level.”

Peter Rolton, Executive Chairman, Britishvolt added: "His vision and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring that Britishvolt has reached the point today where we can look with great confidence to a highly successful future.”

Dr Graham Hoare said: “Orral provided powerful insights, and a tenacious approach, that ensured the early ideas for the company were brought to fruition. I thank him for his huge commitment, energy and contributions. I'm honoured to take the company forward, in the next chapter of our growth and industrialisation.”

 

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