Schneider Electric's Commitment to Sustainable Manufacturing

Schneider Electric has unveiled a US$51m investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the UK.

The project is designed to accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition while establishing new standards for sustainable manufacturing.

Schneider's new facility, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, will be three times the size of its current Scarborough site and is anticipated to generate more  than 200 jobs, enhancing local employment and fostering the development of green skills in the region.

The manufacturing plant will serve as the centrepiece of Schneider Electric’s Scarborough hub, which already includes a low-carbon distribution centre operated by the French energy management company.

A net-zero manufacturing blueprint

At the core of the new facility lies a steadfast commitment to net-zero operations.

Set to open in early 2025, the site will achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions through a combination of renewable energy sources and cutting-edge energy efficiency measures.

Schneider Electric plans to install a solar energy system capable of generating 30% of the plant's energy requirements, with photovoltaic panels covering half of the building’s roof.

Any energy not produced on-site will be “renewable certified”, ensuring the facility operates entirely on sustainable energy.

Operations will also be managed using Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure platform, an intelligent building management system designed to minimise energy waste and optimise efficiency.

Features such as light sensors, automated heating and cooling, as well as advanced energy monitoring, will be integral to ensuring energy-efficient operations.

The site is also poised to host one of Europe’s first fully-electric paint lines, further reducing carbon emissions in its manufacturing processes.

With the goal of achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, the facility demonstrates Schneider Electric’s commitment to setting a new benchmark for environmentally-responsible construction in the industrial sector.

Kelly Becker, President of Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, highlights the company’s unwavering focus on sustainability and innovation.

“Sustainability is at the core of our purpose, culture and business,” she says.

“We're proud to be investing in and developing innovative solutions which will deliver immediate and lasting decarbonisation in the UK, while shoring up the creation of local, green jobs in Yorkshire.”

Promoting biodiversity and sustainable transport

In addition to operational efficiency, the facility has been thoughtfully designed to prioritise environmental preservation.

Schneider Electric is partnering with Natural England to develop habitats for protected species, while making every effort to conserve existing trees and natural features. These initiatives aim to enhance local biodiversity and harmonise the facility with its natural surroundings.

The site will also emphasise sustainable transport for employees, offering 30 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and dedicated cycling amenities, including shelters and showers. These efforts reflect the company's unwavering commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations.

“This is a marvellous example of how sustainable manufacturing can be achieved, creating many highly-skilled jobs in the process,” adds Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK.

“Green technologies are going to be the solution to many of the challenges we face and Schneider should be applauded for pioneering this facility. It is an exemplar model for other manufacturers to follow when they build new facilities.”

Driving green economic development in Yorkshire

Schneider Electric's expansion in Scarborough forms part of a larger investment initiative in Yorkshire, with an additional US$9m recently committed to its Leeds facility.

These combined efforts are projected to generate more than 300 jobs across the region within the next decade, solidifying Yorkshire's role as a centre for green manufacturing.

The Scarborough site will maintain its focus on manufacturing low-voltage switchgear, a key element in sustainable energy systems, including EV charging infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings.

Operations will move to the new facility, located less than 500 metres from Schneider Electric's current site, with Caddick Developments acting as the primary contractor.

Kelly views the new plant as a testament to the company's enduring dedication to advancing the UK's clean energy transition.

She concludes: “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.”

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