Schneider Electric: £7.2m and 110 jobs for Leeds UK factory

Schneider Electric is to expand operations at its site in Leeds UK with a £7.2m upgrade, 110 jobs are expected to be created over the next five years.

“This investment underscores Schneider Electric’s growth trajectory due to rising demand from the energy transition and the electric vehicle (EV) market,” according to the company. “It reinforces Schneider Electric’s long-term commitment to supporting the UK’s move to decarbonisation.”

It employs 550 people at its Leeds, where it designs and manufactures medium and low-voltage switchgear solutions – more than a tenth of its UK workforce.

The upgrade includes a 3,380m² extension to an existing assembly and test hall, and a centralised factory acceptance testing area.

Work is scheduled to begin early in 2024 and to be completed by August the same year – it is being carried out with support from Leeds City Council.

“It is heartening to see our manufacturing base fuelled by demand in emerging markets such as electric vehicles,” said Leeds City Council leader James Lewis. “This investment speaks volumes about our region’s expertise and the skills and competency of our workforce, and what can be achieved through businesses and the council working hand in hand.”