Schneider Electric to invest £42 million in new manufacturing site
Published: 11 September, 2024
Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced it is investing £42 million in a new manufacturing facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
More than 200 jobs will be created to meet the increased demand for electrical equipment to drive the UK’s move to cleaner energy including renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and intelligent, energy-efficient buildings.
The site, which is almost triple the size of Schneider Electric’s existing Scarborough facility, is said to be a blueprint for sustainable design and operations in the manufacturing industry. It is poised to become a net-zero plant and will use modern technology to reduce energy waste and maximise the use of renewable energy. It is expected to be net-zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions when it opens in early 2025.
· 30% of the facility’s energy will be produced by a state-of-the art solar energy system, with solar panels covering 50% of the roof, to ensure the building harnesses solar energy efficiently
· Any energy consumed on site from the national grid will be "renewable certified"
· An intelligent Building Management System, based on Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform, will ensure energy-efficient operations including light sensors, automated heating and cooling
· It will feature one of the first fully electric paint lines in Europe to support decarbonised operations
· It is targeting a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, setting it apart in terms of sustainable construction standards
The company says the site is designed to be environmentally friendly, with sustainable transport options for employees.
· Employees will have access to 30 EV chargers on site
· There will be dedicated cycling racks, shelters, and showers on site for bike riders
· Work is underway with Natural England to create a habitat for protected species
· It will promote biodiversity by retaining as many of the existing trees and natural features as possible
Scarborough is a long-established manufacturing base for Schneider Electric, currently employing 450 people. It specialises in the manufacture of low-voltage switchgears which protect and distribute electricity and are crucial to the rollout of sustainable and energy-efficient operations such as EV charging infrastructure and net-zero buildings.
Kelly Becker, President at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, Belgium & Netherlands said: “Sustainability is at the core of our purpose, culture and business. We’re proud to be investing in and developing innovative solutions which will deliver immediate and lasting decarbonisation in the UK, while bolstering the creation of local, green jobs in Yorkshire.
“The region has long been part of our operational presence in the UK, and we’re excited to expand this as part of our commitment to investing in the UK’s green economy. The new facility in Scarborough represents a pillar of innovation in net-zero, and one which will be an industry benchmark for the transition to sustainable, energy efficient buildings.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This huge investment from Schneider Electric will not only safeguard existing jobs but create 200 new ones. Increasing investment is a mission at the heart of this government, and our modern Industrial Strategy will help us deliver long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs.
“Our commitment to becoming a clean energy superpower is steadfast, and investments like these in North Yorkshire make a huge contribution to bolstering the UK as a leader in energy management and automation. We’re showing investors that Britain is back as a stable place to do business, helping to secure the investment needed to make every part of our country better off.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said: “York and North Yorkshire has a well-established and thriving manufacturing sector, which is home to an abundance of leading and specialist companies.
“So, it is fantastic to see Schneider make this huge investment in their future in Scarborough.
“This new manufacturing facility will drive new, quality jobs in Scarborough and help us go beyond net-zero to become England’s first carbon negative region.
“Leaders like Schneider attract other manufacturers, and we welcome investment as we look to become a production and advanced engineering hub of excellence.”
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK said: “This is a marvellous example of how sustainable manufacturing can be achieved, creating many highly skilled jobs in the process. Green technologies are going to be the solution to many of the challenges that we face and Schneider should be applauded for pioneering this facility. It is an exemplar model for other manufacturers to follow when they build new facilities.”
Today, Schneider Electric says it is a group that employs 5,000 people in the UK and Ireland. Globally, it closed 2023 with a turnover of 36 billion euros. With its head office in London, there are a further 13 operational sites across the UK which specialise in energy management solutions including automation and control, electrical distribution and building management, amongst others.
Operations will relocate to the new facility at Scarborough Business Park, less than 500m from Schneider Electric’s existing premises. Schneider Electric will be its anchor tenant, which will be managed by principal contractor Caddick Developments.
Alistair Smith, Director at Caddick Developments said: “As a long-standing Yorkshire business with sustainability at its heart, we are delighted with Schneider Electric’s commitment to Scarborough Business Park which further bolsters our strong track record of delivering industrial projects throughout the UK as we seek to build developments that support people, community and planet.
“Schneider Electric’s expansion will deliver much-needed jobs for Scarborough and its commitment to the net-zero agenda will ensure that this facility operates as a gold standard for sustainable growth and energy efficiency.”
The investment in Scarborough is in addition to a £7.2 million facility upgrade to Schneider Electric’s site in Leeds, announced in October 2023, meaning the company will create more than 300 jobs in Yorkshire over the next ten years.
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