Global energy management and automation leader Schneider Electric has officially begun construction on a 58,000-square-foot expansion at its existing manufacturing facility in Columbia, Missouri. The project marks a major investment in domestic manufacturing capabilities as demand surges from data center operators and energy infrastructure developers.

The expansion will integrate next-generation manufacturing technologies, increase production capacity, and enhance workflow efficiency through a redesigned floor plan. Once completed, the upgrade will significantly improve the company’s ability to produce key products such as molded case circuit breakers and air circuit breakers—critical components used in power distribution systems.

Schneider Electric aims to strengthen its position in the U.S. market by improving its order fulfillment processes and bolstering supply chain resilience. The Columbia facility’s expansion comes at a time when companies across industries are reshoring production and modernizing operations to meet the evolving demands of energy transition and artificial intelligence-powered technologies.

The Columbia expansion is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the region, creating more than 200 new high-quality jobs.

“The US is experiencing growing demand needed to power AI and energy infrastructure. With this expansion, we are proving our commitment to help our customers meet this unprecedented growth,” said Agustin Lopez Diaz, Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric’s North America Global Supply Chain.

He added, “Schneider Electric is grateful for our partnership with Missouri governor [Mike] Kehoe, and we are proud to be expanding and modernising facilities like this one in Columbia to streamline operations, create new jobs, support our customers' energy efficiency needs, and create impact.”

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe along with local government officials and business leaders, underscoring the project’s significance for regional development and job creation.

This initiative is part of Schneider Electric’s broader strategic investment plan across the United States, which was recently unveiled as the largest single capital expenditure in the company’s 135-year U.S. history. The investment is expected to generate more than 1,000 new jobs nationwide and underscores Schneider Electric’s role in supporting national priorities like energy security, AI readiness, and domestic manufacturing growth.

Currently, Schneider Electric employs more than 21,000 workers across the U.S. and collaborates with about 40% of Fortune 500 companies. Its extensive footprint includes technologies and solutions installed in 40% of the world’s hospitals, four out of ten American homes, and 40,000 water and wastewater facilities in over 150 countries.

This Missouri expansion follows international developments as well. In September 2024, construction firm Caddick was selected to build a new manufacturing facility for Schneider Electric in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UK—highlighting the company’s global commitment to modernizing its production infrastructure.

The Columbia project is expected to play a critical role in Schneider Electric’s long-term vision to lead the digital transformation of energy management and automation while reinforcing its commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing and innovation.

Originally reported by Global Data in Yahoo Finance.