With Britain’s electricity needs expected to increase up to 40 per cent by 2035, Schneider Electric said its new £42 million plant has been 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 in the local workforce, allowing customers to benefit from a combination of this knowledge and skills alongside the latest manufacturing processes and technology.
By manufacturing in the UK for UK organisations in particular, Schneider Electric is aiming to build 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.
UK production means faster, more flexible delivery of bespoke engineering solutions, tailored to the unique needs of UK projects, the company said. Its 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.
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The new facility is also set to boost the 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 per cent and accelerating the transition to electric fleets.
The factory will also serve as a global blueprint for sustainable design and operations in manufacturing. Aiming to achieve 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 per cent of which will come from its own advanced solar energy system.
The site’s opening cements Schneider Electric’s long-standing commitment to Yorkshire, it said, building on a legacy of operational excellence and a workforce with decades of experience supporting customers – some with over 50 years’ service.
In a statement, Kelly Becker, President at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, Belgium & 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’re working even closer with customers to deliver a decarbonised, resilient energy system for the future.”
“This is fantastic news for people in Scarborough who will be benefiting from skilled jobs and ongoing training because of this brand-new facility," added Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. "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.”
