European manufacturing giant Legrand has opened its new North East centre of excellence in Cramlington, Northumberland, a facility expected to create scores of new jobs.
New Facility in Cramlington
The group initially revealed plans to open a new North East base in 2024, as part of a strategy to position itself closer to the region’s growing offshore renewable energy cluster. The new base is designed to supplement its existing UK sites, including its Birmingham head office and bases in Wembley, Scarborough, and Consett.
Construction began in 2024 on a 43,000 square foot facility at Nelson Park in Cramlington, with the expectation that 200 new jobs would be created. Legrand UK & Ireland has now officially opened the electronics manufacturing facility, which directors said establishes a new centre of excellence for the Legrand Group in Europe.
Brands and Location
The site is home to Legrand’s CP Electronics lighting controls and Legrand Care brands, strategically located near the North East’s growing clean energy sector and skilled workforce. This new manufacturing site extends Legrand’s presence in the UK, which spans more than 40 years.
Sustainability Features
The company said the facility has been designed and built with net zero principles at its core and is entirely gas-free. An air source heat pump system provides heating and cooling across the site. It is also fitted with a rooftop solar PV array with an installed capacity of 163 kilowatt-peak, expected to generate close to 128,000 kWh annually, significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity.
The site also incorporates EV charging infrastructure, sustainable drainage, permeable paving, and high-performance insulation. Additionally, the facility has been equipped with Legrand’s own products where possible, including its Linea 5000 door entry panels, cable management solutions, and digital energy metering technology. Bosses said these systems contribute to the site’s connectivity and energy efficiency while serving as a working showcase for the company’s product portfolio.
Leadership Comments
Paolo Murdocca, COO at Legrand UK & Ireland, said: “This facility represents a significant milestone for Legrand in the UK. We have built a site that not only strengthens our manufacturing capability but also reflects the standards we set for our customers.
“Cramlington gives us a modern, sustainable base from which to grow our CP Electronics and Legrand Care brands, and it demonstrates that high-quality electronics manufacturing and genuine environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. The North East offers exactly the skills and supply chain we need, and we are proud to be investing here for the long term.”
