The investment, which will create 200 new jobs, is intended to meet the increased demand for electrical equipment being used to drive the UK’s move to cleaner energy including renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and intelligent, energy-efficient buildings.
Schneider Electric specialises in the digital transformation of energy management and automation.
The site, which is almost triple the size of the company’s existing Scarborough facility, is described as being 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.
According to Schneider, 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, while an intelligent Building Management System, based on Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform, will ensure energy-efficient operations including light sensors, automated heating and cooling.
The site is also being designed to be environmentally friendly, with sustainable transport options for employees. For example, there will be access to 30 EV chargers on site, while work is underway with Natural England to create a habitat for protected species and the site 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. 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.”
“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,” said Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. He continued, “investments like these 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.”
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.
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.
