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 25,000m² and employ 500 workers.

The new plant is the 36^th smart factory in Europe and is the 22^nd engineering-to-order factory in the region. Mainly, it will produce primary and secondary switchgears, low voltage cabinets and components, and the state-of-the-art SF6-free AirSeT medium voltage switchgear range. All these products will be made-to-order to individual customer’s specifications.

Additionally, the smart factory will be net zero from the first day of its operation, expected in 2024. In particular, geothermal energy and rooftop solar will power the site. Also, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure energy management solutions will maximize its energy efficiency.

In addition, the site will feature 1) 30 electric car and 25 electric bicycle Schneider Electric charging stations. It will collect rainwater for bathrooms and irrigation. Also, Schneider Electric sensors installed in the offices, meeting rooms, changing rooms, and bathrooms will control the lights and air conditioning to reduce energy waste. Lastly, airlocks will prevent heat loss at truck-docking stations and at the entrance.

“Europe is an important region for Schneider Electric,” said Frederic Godemel, Executive Vice President, Power Systems & Services, 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.”

“The new Dunavecse plant will be a flagship factory in Europe for medium voltage technologies,” said Yann Reynaud, Senior Vice President Global Engineering to Order, Schneider Electric. “We’re excited to be building more capacity for our customers, so we can bring them even more innovation, sustainability, and digital solutions.”