Schneider Electric Opens £42m Smart Factory Boosting UK Clean Energy Infrastructure

Schneider Electric has officially opened a new $55 million smart manufacturing plant in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, designed to support the UK's transition to cleaner energy as electricity demand is expected to rise by up to 40% by 2035. The 16,500 sqm facility will produce critical electrical equipment to strengthen the resilience of Britain's electrical infrastructure, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and lower costs and carbon emissions through local manufacturing and shorter logistics. The plant enables direct collaboration between customers and engineers for bespoke projects and produces equipment to British standards, making it export-ready for Commonwealth markets. Additionally, the site significantly expands the local electric vehicle charging network by more than doubling capacity with 30 new chargers, aiding the shift to electric fleets. The factory is also a model for sustainable manufacturing, achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with 30% of its energy supplied by an advanced solar system. This investment reflects Schneider Electric's long-term commitment to Yorkshire and supports local employment and the region's green energy goals.