Photos courtesy of CaddickSchneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has officially opened a new ‘state of the art’ facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, with full site commissioning targeted by year end. With Britain’s electricity needs expected to increase up to 40% by 2035, the plant is designed for long-term growth, producing the critical electrical equipment needed as the UK moves to cleaner energy.
The company’s manufacturing roots in Scarborough stem from the 1930s and this history has resulted in a considerable amount of product development and manufacturing knowledge being captured within the local workforce. Customers will now benefit from a combination of this knowledge and skills and the latest manufacturing processes and ‘smart’ technology.
By manufacturing in the UK for UK customers, Schneider Electric is building resilience into the nation’s critical electrical infrastructure, reducing exposure to global supply chain shocks and slashing both costs and carbon emissions through shorter, optimised transport and logistics routes.
Export-ready productsUK production means faster, more flexible delivery of bespoke engineering solutions, tailored to the unique needs of UK projects. Customers can visit the Scarborough site, collaborate directly with product designers and engineers, and ensure products fully meet their needs before moving into production. The UK site will produce equipment to meet British standards, meaning they are export-ready for Commonwealth markets.
The new facility will also significantly boost the electric vehicle (EV) charging network in and around Scarborough. An additional 30 EV chargers will be hosted on site, increasing local EV charging infrastructure by more than 110% and accelerating the transition to electric fleets. The factory will also serve as a global blueprint for sustainable design and operations in manufacturing. Net-zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the plant uses modern technology to reduce energy waste and maximise the use of renewable energy – 30% of which will come from its own advanced solar energy system.
The site’s opening cements Schneider Electric’s long-standing commitment to North Yorkshire, building on a legacy of operational excellence and a workforce with decades of experience supporting customers – some with over 50 years’ service. This follows a major 2023 investment in its operations in Leeds.
Kelly Becker, president at Schneider Electric, UK and Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, said: “UK manufacturing is the backbone of the nation’s infrastructure drive. With electricity demand set to hit new heights, our Scarborough site – rooted in Yorkshire expertise – gives us the scale and agility to respond quickly to market changes and support the UK’s energy transition and beyond. By expanding our local footprint, we are working even closer with customers to deliver a decarbonised, resilient energy system for the future.”
Skilled jobs and ongoing trainingEd Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “This is fantastic news for people in Scarborough who will be benefitting from skilled jobs and ongoing training because of this new facility. 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 also help to create high quality jobs across the country.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, added: “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 have 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 facility will produce the electrical equipment we need, putting our region at the heart of the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.”
Lord Harrington,
Make UK chair, concluded: “The decision by Schneider Electric to invest £42 million to build a new factory in Yorkshire is a powerful vote of confidence in the strength and resilience of UK manufacturing. This facility represents not only a boost to regional industry and skilled employment, but also a commitment to innovation and sustainability - values that are at the heart of our sector’s future.
“With features such as rooftop solar panels and cutting-edge digital technologies, the factory sets a new benchmark for smart, low-carbon manufacturing in the UK. We warmly welcome this investment and look forward to the positive ripple effects it will have across the supply chain and local communities.”