AVK, a supplier of innovative power solutions for hyperscale data centres and AI infrastructure in the UK and Europe, has confirmed its plans for its first standalone manufacturing facility in the UK
Located in Haydock within the Liverpool City region, the site will assemble AVK’s modular LV/MV PowerPods, the pre-engineered, transportable power systems that can energise data centres.
Representing an initial investment of £3 million, the facility marks a significant step in AVK’s UK growth strategy and its commitment to building scalable manufacturing capability in the UK.
The facility hopes to create a high number of skilled jobs in its first year, with the potential to expand as production scales in the following years. Recruitment will include apprenticeships, graduate positions, and skilled technical roles.
Around three-quarters of positions will be skilled technical and operational positions such as electrical and mechanical installation engineers, plant movement operatives and warehousing staff. A further fifth will be graduate roles across finance, facilities, production management and lean manufacturing, with the remainder dedicated to apprenticeships supported by a partnership with St Helens College.
The partnership with St Helens College will provide work-experience placements and MOET Level 3 engineering apprenticeships, as well as curriculum development to align training with real industry needs. Apprentices will develop electrical and mechanical skills across the full lifecycle, from design through to installation, with progression routes to higher qualifications such as HNC and HND in mechanical or electrical engineering.
Haydock was chosen for its logistical advantages and established engineering base, as well as its strong connectivity for moving materials and complete PowerPods to customers across the UK and Europe, thanks to its proximity to Junction 23 of the M6.
The investment lands amid a broader national debate over the impact of AI on employment. However, the demand for AI is driving investment in the physical infrastructure that supports it, which creates skilled jobs and long-term opportunities.
Simon Davis, head of Production Modular Services, AVK, said, “PowerPods complete our proposition to the data centre market, and Haydock gives us the dedicated home to build them at scale. This is a British business investing in British manufacturing and British skills, in a region with a proud industrial heritage. The facility will strengthen the UK’s ability to power the AI economy while creating real opportunities for local people, apprentices and graduates for years to come.”
Lord Stockwood, minister for Investment, said, “AVK-SEG’s investment in Haydock is a strong vote of confidence in UK advanced manufacturing and the Liverpool City Region, creating skilled jobs, boosting apprenticeships, and strengthening our role in powering the AI economy. This is exactly the kind of innovation-led growth set out in the Industrial Strategy, backing British talent, growing priority sectors, and ensuring communities benefit from long-term investment.”
Cllr Dr R. George Woodward, leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: “St Helens Borough is proud to welcome AVK’s landmark investment in Haydock, bringing with it high-quality, skilled jobs and a renewed sense of opportunity for our communities. This new facility is a powerful vote of confidence in our borough’s people, our engineering heritage, and our potential to lead in the industries of tomorrow. Under our leadership, we are determined to back businesses that invest in local workers, strengthen our economy, and deliver real benefits for residents.
“This project reflects the kind of growth our administration stands for: practical, pro-business, and rooted in British capability. AVK’s commitment to creating apprenticeships, graduate roles and technical jobs while working closely with St Helens College will help build a strong pipeline of local talent and give our young people a clear route into well-paid careers. It’s exactly the kind of partnership we want to see more of: industry and education working hand in hand to secure long-term prosperity.
“Haydock’s strategic location and deep industrial roots make it the perfect home for this cutting-edge manufacturing, supporting the UK’s role in powering the AI economy. At a time when people want to see investment that delivers for Britain, AVK’s decision shows that backing domestic manufacturing works. As a council, we will continue support enterprises like this and put St Helens firmly back on the map as a centre of innovation, skills and growth.”
David Baines MP, St Helens North, said, “I am delighted to see AVK investing in Haydock. Not only are they creating many high-quality, skilled jobs right here in our area, they are also working together with St Helens College to ensure that exciting new opportunities are open for young people across St Helens.
“In my time as both a Member of Parliament and leader of St Helens Borough Council I have always argued for and supported investment in our communities – we have the tal-ent and the infrastructure ready to go – and this is a clear vote of confidence that our area is a place where businesses know they set up and thrive, bringing the benefits of jobs and growth for local people in and around our communities.”
Jonny Clarke, CEO of Capital Enterprise, said, “Today’s announcement shows that the AI revolution is much bigger than LLMs and agentic workflows. It’s about our ability to build things in the real world. We’ll never unlock the full benefits of AI without designing and manufacturing high-quality infrastructure to keep up with its energy needs. As a Liverpool native, it’s brilliant to see our region’s strengths in engineering and logistics recognised on this scale. The Liverpool City Region is a fantastic choice for locating the critical infrastructure for the AI future.”
