Schneider Electric is investing £42m in a new manufacturing facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

More than 200 jobs will be created to meet the increased demand for electrical equipment to drive the UK’s move to cleaner energy including renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and intelligent, energy-efficient buildings.

The site is almost triple the size of Schneider Electric’s existing Scarborough facility.

It is set 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.

Around a third of the facility’s energy will be produced by a solar energy system, with solar panels covering 50% of the roof, to ensure the building harnesses solar energy efficiently. It is targeting a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.

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 and Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands, said: “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.”

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

Schneider Electric will be its anchor tenant, which will be managed by principal contractor Caddick Developments.

Alistair Smith, director at Caddick Developments, said: “As a long-standing Yorkshire business with sustainability at its heart, we are delighted with Schneider Electric’s commitment to Scarborough Business Park which further bolsters our strong track record of delivering industrial projects throughout the UK as we seek to build developments that support people, community and planet.

“Schneider Electric’s expansion will deliver much-needed jobs for Scarborough and its commitment to the net-zero agenda will ensure that this facility operates as a gold standard for sustainable growth and energy efficiency.”

The investment in Scarborough is in addition to a £7.2 m 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 10 years.