Inside Schneider Electric's Plans For UK Manufacturing Plant
Schneider Electric has announced a US$51m investment in a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
The project aims to drive forward the UK's clean energy transition while setting new benchmarks for sustainable manufacturing.
The facility will triple the size of Schneider Electric's existing Scarborough site and is expected to create over 200 jobs, boosting local employment and supporting green skills development in the region.
The manufacturing plant will become the centre piece of Schneider's hub in Scarborough, where the French energy management company already has a low-carbon distribution centre.
A blueprint for net zero manufacturing
At the heart of the new facility is its commitment to net zero operations. The site, scheduled to open in early 2025, will achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions through a combination of renewable energy sources and advanced energy efficiency measures.
Schneider Electric has outlined plans for a solar energy system that will generate 30% of the plant's energy needs, with photovoltaic panels covering half of the building's roof.
Energy not sourced from on-site renewables will be “renewable certified”, ensuring the plant runs entirely on sustainable energy.
The facility's operations will also be governed by Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure platform, an intelligent Building Management System designed to minimise energy waste.
Features such as light sensors, automated heating and cooling, and advanced energy monitoring will play a crucial role in maintaining energy-efficient operations.
The site is also set to house one of Europe's first fully electric paint lines, further decarbonising its manufacturing processes.
Aiming for a BREEAM 'Excellent' certification, the facility exemplifies Schneider Electric's ambition to set a new standard for environmentally responsible construction in the industrial sector.
Kelly Becker, President of Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, emphasises the company's dedication to sustainability and innovation.
“Sustainability is at the core of our purpose, culture and business,” she says.
“We're proud to be investing in and developing innovative solutions which will deliver immediate and lasting decarbonisation in the UK, while shoring up the creation of local, green jobs in Yorkshire.”
Supporting biodiversity and sustainable transport
Beyond its operational efficiency, the facility has been designed with environmental preservation in mind.
Schneider Electric is collaborating with Natural England to create habitats for protected species, while existing trees and natural features are being preserved wherever possible.
These measures aim to enhance local biodiversity and integrate the facility into its natural surroundings.
The new site will also prioritise sustainable transport for its workforce. Employees will have access to 30 electric vehicle (EV) chargers and dedicated facilities for cycling, including shelters and showers.
Such initiatives underline the company's commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of its operations.
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, has a great deal of praise for the project.
“This is a marvellous example of how sustainable manufacturing can be achieved, creating many highly skilled jobs in the process,” he says.
“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.”
Bolstering the green economy in Yorkshire
Schneider Electric's Scarborough expansion is part of a broader investment strategy in Yorkshire, with an additional US$9m recently allocated to its Leeds site.
Together, these projects are expected to create more than 300 jobs across the region in the next decade, strengthening Yorkshire's position as a hub for green manufacturing.
The Scarborough site will continue its focus on producing low-voltage switchgear, a critical component in sustainable energy systems such as EV charging infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings.
Operations will relocate to the new facility, situated less than 500 metres from Schneider Electric's current premises, with Caddick Developments serving as the principal contractor.
Kelly believes that the new plant is a symbol of the company's long-term commitment to the UK's clean energy transition.
“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.”
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