Following a deal with Caddick, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, will invest approximately £42 million in a new facility in Scarborough as part of its drive to expand operations in the North of England. Operations will move to the new facility located at Scarborough Business Park, less than 500m from Schneider Electric’s existing premises. The business expects to create over 200 manufacturing, engineering and supply chain jobs over the next decade, adding to its current workforce of 350 employees in Scarborough.
Due to be completed by early 2025, the 179,972 sq ft building will be almost three times the size of the current one, and will accommodate growth driven by rising demand from the energy transition and electric vehicle (EV) market. Schneider Electric will be the anchor tenant at Scarborough Business Park, which will be managed by principal contractor Caddick, in a joint commitment to support the UK’s move to decarbonisation and boost the local green economy.
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, which is almost triple the size of Schneider Electric’s existing Scarborough facility, is a blueprint for sustainable design and operations in the manufacturing industry. It is poised 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.
- 30% of the facility’s energy will be produced by a state-of-the art solar energy system, with solar panels covering 50% of the roof, to ensure the building harnesses solar energy efficiently
- Any energy consumed on site from the national grid will be “renewable certified”
- An intelligent Building Management System, based on Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform, will ensure energy-efficient operations including light sensors, automated heating and cooling
- It will feature one of the first fully electric paint lines in Europe to support decarbonised operations
- It is targeting a BREAAM ‘Excellent’ rating, setting it apart in terms of sustainable construction standards
The site is designed to be environmentally friendly, with sustainable transport options for employees.
- Employees will have access to 30 EV chargers on site
- There will be dedicated cycling racks, shelters, and showers on site for bike riders
- Work is underway with Natural England to create a habitat for protected species
- It will promote biodiversity by retaining as many of the existing trees and natural features as possible
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.
Alistair Smith, Director at Caddick Developments, said: “As a long-standing Yorkshire business with sustainability at its heart, we are delighted with this outcome. Scarborough Business Park 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.”
To find out more on Scarborough Business Park, visit: https://caddickdevelopments.co.uk/project/scarborough-business-park/