Alina Oprea • 29 March, 2023 at 8:22 AM
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and industrial automation, broke ground on its new smart factory in Dunavesce, Hungary. With a planned investment of €40 million, the new site will span 25,000 sqm and have a headcount of 500 employees. From the first day of production, expected in 2024, the factory will be net zero. Geothermal energy and rooftop solar will power the site, and Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure energy management solutions will maximize its energy efficiency.
The 36th smart factory in Europe, this will be the 22nd engineering-to-order factory in the region, producing primary and secondary switchgear, low voltage cabinets and components, and state-of-the-art SF6-free AirSeT medium voltage switchgear range, all made-to-order to individual customers' specifications.
In addition, the site will feature:
- 30 electric cars and 25 electric bicycles Schneider Electric charging stations
- Schneider Electric sensors in the offices, meeting rooms, changing rooms, and bathrooms will control the lights and air conditioning to reduce energy waste
- airlocks to prevent heat loss at truck-docking stations and at the entrance
- rainwater collection for bathrooms and irrigation
“Europe is an important region for Schneider Electric. This new smart factory is one example of how we are bolstering our capacity to meet the increase in demand as Europe accelerates through the energy transition and strengthens its energy independence”, says Frederic Godemel, Executive Vice President, Power Systems & Services, Schneider Electric.
“The new Dunavecse plant will be a flagship factory in Europe for medium voltage technologies. We're excited to be building more capacity for our customers, so we can bring them even more innovation, sustainability, and digital solutions”, says Yann Reynaud, Senior Vice President of Global Engineering to Order, Schneider Electric.