Schneider to build a £42m manufacturing plant in Scarborough

The site, which is almost triple the size of Schneider Electric’s existing Scarborough facility, 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, comments: “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.”

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds says: “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, says: “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.

“Leaders like Schneider attract other manufacturers, and we welcome investment as we look to become a production and advanced engineering hub of excellence.”

Operations will relocate to the new facility at Scarborough Business Park, less than 500m from Schneider Electric’s existing premises.

The investment in Scarborough is in addition to a £7.2m facility upgrade to Schneider Electric’s site in Leeds, announced in October 2023, meaning the company will create more than 300 jobs in Yorkshire over the next ten years.  

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