Transparent extension to headquarters

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 8, 2003

The Schneider Electric Global Competence Centre for Transparent Building technology is among the key activities which are housed in the company's newly extended UK headquarters.

The Schneider Electric Global Competence Centre for Transparent Building technology (web-based building management systems) is among the key activities which are housed in the company's new purpose-built 10,000m2 extension to its existing Telford premises, which was officially opened on Thursday, 19th June 2003, by Henri Lachmann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Electric SAS.

Marking the latest phase in Schneider Electric's ambitious ongoing programme of investment in the UK, which is aimed at delivering the highest possible standards of service, and best value, to its customers, the new extension also provides greatly expanded logistics, manufacturing and office accommodation.

To maximise the energy efficiency of the newly expanded Telford site, in line with Schneider Electric's commitment to protecting the environment, the whole complex is equipped with the company's innovative Transparent Building systems, which represent the very latest in web-based building management technology.

The diversity of operations on the site is such that no single energy management strategy would have been satisfactory.

With transparent building technology, however, it has been possible to implement separate highly efficient energy management regimes for the office, existing warehouse and assembly areas, new warehouse, and low-voltage assembly areas.

"For such a important investment in the UK, it is essential that we should have only the best and most effective systems", said Gael de la Rochere, Managing Director of Schneider Electric UK, "and this requirement is well satisfied by the transparent building systems".

"They will help us to ensure that our operation always runs at full efficiency, thereby enabling us to offer exceptional and consistent customer service", he continued, "and they will help us to keep our costs down - a crucial factor in allowing us to maintain our very competitive market position".

Schneider Electric's new premises in Telford will house activities relating to all of the company's major brands - Merlin Gerin, Telemecanique and Square D - and to Sarel, a Schneider Electric company.

The premises will also be used as a reference site for potential customers wishing to examine the possibilities provided by transparent building technology in a live, practical situation.