Schneider Electric (EPA: SU), which had €25.2 billion (US$28.53 billion) of consolidated global sales in 2020, said it will invest “more than US$100 million” in expanding its manufacturing plants footprint across North America, with new sites to be erected in Santa Teresa, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

Land owned by the business in Tlaxcala, Mexico will also be used to build a new manufacturing plant expanding its presence in the city.

Schneider said it is also evaluating existing buildings in Mexico City to renovate into a manufacturing operation.

The company plans to start construction and renovation before the end of 2021 to boost manufacturing of circuit breakers, switchboards, panelboards, and medium voltage switchgear for use in data centres, infrastructure, and homes by late 2022.

As part of the development, the company plans to hire more than 1,000 new employees to increase production and speed the delivery of electrical products to customers in Canada, Mexico, and the US.

Annette Clayton, CEO and President, Schneider Electric North America, said: “Our future is calling for a more resilient and sustainable supply chain and that’s exactly what we’re seeking to deliver with this latest investment.

“By continuing to invest in modern, digitally-enabled manufacturing, we are increasing capacity to minimize interruption risk when unforeseen challenges occur and reduce wait time for customers.”