Schneider Electric to invest £42 million in new net zero plant

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, 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 is 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 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 

“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.” 

Schneider Electric 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.