2 minute read - 10th October 2023
Schneider Electric to make £7.2m Leeds investment
Schneider Electric has announced plans to expand operations at its site in Leeds. Over £7m will be invested in a facility upgrade, together with the creation of 110 new jobs over the next five years.
Schneider says the investment underscores the company’s growth trajectory due to rising demand from the energy transition and the electric vehicle market, and that it reinforces its long-term commitment to supporting the UK’s move to decarbonisation.
The upgrade will feature a 3,380m² extension to an existing assembly and test hall, and a centralised Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) area. Work is projected to begin in early 2024 and be completed by August 2024. The project is being carried out with cooperation and support from Leeds City Council.
Schneider Electric is investing £7.2m in a facility upgrade and creating 110 new jobs over the next five years at its Leeds factory / Picture: Schneider Electric
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Schneider Electric employs 550 people at its Leeds smart factory and innovation hub. The site specialises in designing and manufacturing medium and low voltage switchgear solutions, which protect and distribute electricity in public, commercial and industrial installations. The new investment will aim to enhance the Leeds facility’s efficiency to support growing demand for these solutions.
A key feature of Schneider’s expanding solutions is its portfolio of green and digital switchgear, which replaces the greenhouse gas that is traditionally used in electrical equipment for insulation, with pure air to reduce environmental impact and optimise maintenance and operations.
Kelly Becker, zone president for UK&I at Schneider Electric, said: “This multi-million pound investment in Leeds reflects our commitment to investing in the UK’s burgeoning green economy. I’m proud that through this project, we plan to create local jobs in Yorkshire, which has been part of our operational presence in the UK for years. Our continued growth and investment are set in the context of a huge opportunity to drive decarbonisation, boost infrastructure to meet the demands of EV charging, and design, build, operate and maintain our buildings in the face of the energy efficiency challenge.”