Australia's Fortescue Metals Group has bought Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) the technology and engineering services business of the Williams Group.
An offshoot from the Williams F1 team founded by the late Frank Williams, WAE is a world-leading technology and engineering business renowned for its ground-breaking projects in high performance battery systems and electrification. It provides the battery technology used in Formula E and Extreme E, and has assisted in the development of the electric Vanda Dendrobium car from Singapore. It has also worked with Jaguar to create the C-X75 hybrid supercar.
The acquisition, thought to be worth £165m, is intended to enable Fortescue to become a major player in the growing global market for green industrial transport equipment.
WAE will bring its race bred critical battery technology to FFI, which will in turn enable Fortescue, one of the largest iron ore producers in the world and a heavy carbon emitter, to realise its industry leading 2030 net-zero target. This will be achieved by working together to help bring green energy to life in programmes such as Fortescue's 3km long freight trains, 400 tonne haul trucks and industrial heavy mobile equipment.
The heavy industrial sector accounts for more than 20 per cent of global carbon emissions. Today's £164 million investment means Fortescue and FFI will acquire critical capabilities needed to help decarbonise this industry world-wide utilising FFI's green electricity, green hydrogen and ammonia which contains zero carbon.
"This is the race of our lifetimes," said Fortescue Founder and Chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, "the race to save the planet from cooking. The speed at which we move matters. Together FFI and WAE will work to decarbonise Fortescue – with the aim of achieving that faster and more effectively than anyone else in the world.
"This is an historic moment in the future of our company as we welcome the WAE family into the Fortescue family to work together to de carbonise heavy industry and hard to abate sectors for the good of our planet, and the benefit of our shareholders.
"This announcement is the key to unlocking the formula for removing fossil fuel powered machinery and replacing it with zero carbon emission technology, powered by FFI green electricity, green hydrogen and green ammonia.
"For decades, Sir Frank Williams' F1 racing business was at the forefront of innovation in engineering and I thank him for his pioneering vision in founding WAE over a decade ago. I was sorry to hear of his passing last year and I pay tribute to him. I have huge respect for him, his family and the Williams' business,” said Dr Forrest.
Former deputy team principal of the Williams team, Claire Williams welcomed the announcement.
"Since the team sold a majority shareholding in WAE to EMK Capital a couple of years ago, EMK and the Management Team have done a fantastic job in taking the business forward. We are delighted that Fortescue are now taking over that mantle and see the value in the company and its people in tackling some of the biggest issues facing our world today. I am sure that they will continue to drive considerable success through the business and achieve further results in decarbonising heavy industry and tackling the issue of global warming.”
"High performance battery and electrification systems are at the core of what we do at WAE," added Craig Wilson, Chief Executive Officer WAE, "and this acquisition and investment will enable the company's further growth to support the delivery of zero emission products and services across existing sectors – such as automotive, motorsport and off-highway – and new sectors too. This will benefit all of our stakeholders along with current and future customers who are very important to us. My thanks also to EMK Capital for their support during the past two years that has enabled us to accelerate the successful progress of WAE and development of technologies to help tackle climate change”.
"We are delighted to play a key role in Fortescue's decarbonisation strategy, contributing to the delivery of their emissions reduction targets through high performance battery systems, green hydrogen and related technologies. We will also be focusing on addressing the sector-wide challenges in the off-highway sector. Both companies have a shared culture of innovation, setting and achieving challenging objectives and a genuine commitment to creating a sustainable future.”
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