Schneider Electric announced Oct. 12 it will invest about $46 million in its Lexington, Kentucky, and Lincoln, Nebraska, manufacturing plants to modernize their operations and increase circuit breaker and related electrical product output for its customers in the U.S. and Canada.

The upgrades at the 65-year-old Lexington plant and 50-year-old Lincoln plant will include installing new equipment and machinery with “the most current and connected technology and automation,” according to a news release. The newer technology will increase the plants’ quality and capacity and make their operations more energy efficient.

“To keep pace with the near and long-term demand for our products and to plan for the future, we must invest in our supply chain capabilities,” Schneider Electric senior vice president of global supply chain Ken Engel said. “Our duty always, and particularly in the context of the current economic and energy environment, is to serve the needs of our customers and partners across our manufacturing and distribution network. These investments are proof of that commitment.”

The company also announced:

• Construction of its El Paso, Texas, manufacturing plant is progressing on schedule. The 160,000-square-foot plant is projected to be operational by the end of 2022. Hiring for select engineering positions has started, and additional hires will be made through early 2023. The plant will employ about 400 workers.
• Expansion of Schneider’s Tlaxcala, Mexico, operation continues as the company seeks to meet demand for the circuit breakers and electrical panel boards produced there. The 150,000-square-foot operation will employ about 600 workers and will provide the company with the capability to manufacture and ship products in-region should the need arise. The plant is expected to be operational in early 2023.
• Schneider will expand its manufacturing operation in Monterrey, Mexico, with a 185,000-square-foot manufacturing plant that will build and ship customized switchgear products used to transmit power most often in commercial buildings. The company expects to employ about 325 workers and begin shipping products before the end of 2023.