Schneider Electric Bets Big on the UK’s Clean Energy Future with £42m Smart Plant

United Kingdom, September 8, 2025: Schneider Electric has officially opened a new £42 million smart manufacturing plant in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in a move designed to strengthen Britain’s energy infrastructure and accelerate the transition to cleaner power. The 16,500 sq m facility will produce electrical equipment essential for the UK’s growing electricity needs, which are forecast to rise by up to 40% by 2035. 

The Scarborough site builds on Schneider Electric’s deep manufacturing roots in Yorkshire, dating back to the 1930s. The company says the new plant brings together the skills of its long-standing workforce with the latest digital manufacturing technologies, giving customers both flexibility and faster delivery of customised solutions.

By manufacturing in the UK, Schneider aims to reduce reliance on global supply chains, cut carbon emissions linked to transport, and provide quicker access to British-standard equipment that is also export-ready for Commonwealth markets. The facility will also contribute to the local electric vehicle ecosystem. An additional 30 EV chargers installed on-site will more than double Scarborough’s public charging capacity.

In an official press release by Schneider Electric, Kelly Becker, President at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, Belgium & Netherlands, stated, “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.”

Designed as a model for sustainable production, the plant operates at net-zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Around 30% of its energy needs will be met by its own solar installation, while digital tools will optimise energy use and minimise waste. Industry and Government Welcome Investment. The opening drew praise from government and industry figures.

In the same press release, David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, stated, "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’ve 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 state-of-the-art facility will produce the electrical equipment we need, putting our region at the heart of the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.” 

Schneider Electric said the Scarborough facility will serve as a global benchmark for sustainable and digital-first manufacturing. The project follows a major investment in Leeds in 2023, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to Yorkshire and the UK’s low-carbon future.