Schneider Electric has announced a £42 million ($55 million) investment in a state-of-the-art, net-zero electrical equipment manufacturing plant in North Yorkshire, driven by rising demand for clean technology components in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and energy-efficient buildings.
Set to open in 2025, the Scarborough facility will serve as a model for sustainable design and operations, featuring on-site renewable energy generation and ultra-efficient energy management systems like light sensors and automated heating and cooling systems. Schneider expects to meet 30% of its energy needs with solar power and achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
The plant is expected to create over 200 jobs and will aim for an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for sustainable construction. Schneider Electric, which already employs 450 people in Scarborough, specialises in low-voltage switchgear essential for clean tech such as EV charging infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings.
“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,” said Kelly Becker, president at Schneider Electric for the UK, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The facility will offer a raft of sustainable transport options for staff, including 30 EV chargers and dedicated cycling racks, shelters, and showers on site for cyclists. Also, works are underway at the site alongside Natural England to create a habitat for protected species, in addition to efforts to retain as many of the site’s existing trees and natural features as possible to support biodiversity.
Stephen Phipson, chief executive of the manufacturing trade association Make UK, called the facility “a marvelous example of how sustainable manufacturing can be achieved” while creating “many highly skilled jobs in the process”.
He said, “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.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said, “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,” he said. “Leaders like Schneider attract other manufacturers, and we welcome the investment as we look to become a production and advanced engineering hub of excellence.”