Schneider Electric opens smart manufacturing plant in Scarborough
The plant will produce critical electrical equipment
Schneider Electric has officially opened a new state-of-the-art smart plant in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, with full site commissioning expected by the end of the year.
The global energy management and automation firm says the facility will play a key role as Britain’s electricity demand rises - forecast to increase by up to forty per cent by 2035.
The plant will produce critical electrical equipment to support the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.
Schneider Electric has had a presence in Scarborough since the 1930s, and the company says its history has helped build a highly skilled workforce.
By making products in the UK for UK organisations, Schneider Electric aims to strengthen energy infrastructure resilience, cut exposure to global supply chain shocks and reduce costs and emissions through shorter transport routes.
The Scarborough site will also allow engineers and customers to work closely together on bespoke projects, with equipment produced to British standards and ready for Commonwealth export.
The new plant includes 30 electric vehicle chargers, more than doubling local charging capacity and helping businesses move towards electric fleets.
It has also been designed as a model for sustainable manufacturing worldwide.
The opening underlines Schneider Electric’s long-term commitment to Yorkshire, building on a legacy of decades of service in Scarborough and following a major investment in Leeds last year.
"This is a moment I’ve been looking forward to"
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire says:
"Schneider Electric is backing our vision for a greener York and North Yorkshire with this £42 million investment in its Scarborough base.
"The opportunities afforded by this larger site will help keep more of our talented young people and skilled workers on the coast.
"This is a moment I’ve been looking forward to, having followed this project from its early stages to its official opening today.
"It shows the confidence businesses have about our commitment to clean energy.
"This new state-of-the-art facility will produce the electrical equipment we need, putting our region at the heart of the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.”