Schneider Electric to invest £42m in new facility

This expansion will create over 200 jobs to meet the increasing demand for electrical equipment, essential for the UK's transition to cleaner energy, including renewable sources, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient smart buildings.

The new site, nearly three times the size of Schneider Electric’s current Scarborough facility, serves as a model for sustainable design and operations in manufacturing. Set to be net-zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions when it opens in early 2025, the plant will employ advanced technology to reduce energy waste and maximise the use of renewable resources. Key sustainability features include:

• 30% of the facility’s energy will come from a state-of-the-art solar energy system, with panels covering 50% of the roof
• All electricity drawn from the grid will be "renewable certified"
• An intelligent Building Management System, powered by Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform, will manage energy-efficient operations, using light sensors and automated heating and cooling
• The facility will house one of Europe’s first fully electric paint lines to further support decarbonisation
• It is targeting a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating for sustainable construction standards

The site is also designed with sustainable transport in mind, offering 30 electric vehicle charging points for employees, along with bike racks, shelters, and showers to encourage cycling. In partnership with Natural England, a protected habitat is being created to enhance biodiversity by preserving as many existing trees and natural features as possible.

Schneider Electric has a long-standing manufacturing presence in Scarborough, employing 450 people. The site specialises in low-voltage switchgear, crucial for the deployment of sustainable energy infrastructure such as EV charging stations and net-zero buildings.

“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," said Kelly Becker, President at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, Belgium & Netherlands. “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 added: “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."

This investment in Scarborough is part of Schneider Electric’s broader commitment to Yorkshire, following a £7.2 million upgrade to its Leeds facility announced in October 2023, which is expected to create over 300 jobs in the region over the next decade.