French energy management and automation company Schneider Electric has opened a new smart manufacturing plant in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UK. It will be completely operational by the end of 2025.
Initially announced in September 2024, Schneider Electric has invested around $55m (£42m) in the new 16,500sqm site. The plant will produce essential electrical equipment to support the UK’s transition to cleaner energy, since the country’s electricity needs are projected to rise by almost 40% by 2035.
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The local production will enable quicker, customised engineering solutions, allowing customers to collaborate directly with designers at the site. Additionally, the equipment will meet British standards, making it ready for export to Commonwealth markets.
The new facility will also significantly boost the EV charging network in and around Scarborough. The site will host an additional 30 EV chargers, increasing local EV charging infrastructure by more than 110%.
UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband said: “Our clean power mission is already driving investment and growth, providing opportunities for people right here in North Yorkshire. It comes ahead of our Clean Energy Workforce Strategy, which will help create high-quality jobs across the country.”
Kelly Becker, president at Schneider Electric, UK and Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, referred to UK manufacturing as the ‘backbone of the nation’s infrastructure drive’.
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By GlobalData“Our Scarborough site gives us the scale and agility to respond quickly to market changes and support the UK’s energy transition. By expanding our local footprint, we’re working even closer with customers to deliver a decarbonised, resilient energy system for the future,” she added.
Lord Richard Harrington, chair of Make UK, called Schneider Electric’s decision for a new Yorkshire factory a ‘powerful vote of confidence’ in UK manufacturing.
“We warmly welcome this investment and look forward to the positive ripple effects it will have across the supply chain and local communities,” he added.
According to GlobalData insights, Schneider Electric is the most prolific company in making international expansions in the electronics sector. Over the past year, the company has announced investments in India, South Africa, the UAE, Portugal, and the US.
