Schneider Electric breaks ground on nearly $74 million expansion in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Schneider Electric broke ground Tuesday on a major expansion of its Columbia manufacturing facility.

The company announced an investment of over $700 million in the U.S. this year, with more than $70 million of that directed to the Columbia project. The expansion, at Schneider's facility in the 4800 block of Paris Road, marks the first milestone associated with the company's growth amid rising demand for energy.

The expansion will include a warehouse and new lines to build commercial circuit breaker components.

Gov. Mike Kehoe said the project reflects the power of collaboration and what it means for Missouri's future.

"The win is for the community, the win is for the employees who have great-paying jobs here, so we're excited to see that," Kehoe said. "It shows what's possible when private enterprise, local leadership and a statement government come together on a shared vision for growth."

According to Schneider Electric, the expansion will create 241 jobs, strengthening Missouri's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The new jobs will pay an average of $24.41 per hour, the company says.

Paul Eisenstein, president of Regional Economic Development Inc., said the expansion create a variety of jobs, including supervisors and technicians.

The $73.6 million project is backed in part by Chapter 100 Bonds, which grant Schneider Electric a $2.3 million property tax break over the next 10 years in exchange for job creation.

Eisenstein said Boone County has a strong, transparent incentive process through Chapter 100. The tax break is only for new facilities and equipment.

"It's a competitive incentive, but our local taxing jurisdiction,n including the local school system, other jurisdictions, they receive tax funds they otherwise wouldn't get because Schneider is expanding in our community," Eisenstein said.

The company has also been approved for state incentives worth more than $4 million.

Kehoe believes those state incentives, such as Missouri Works and the Build Program, help strengthen the state’s economic toolbox.

Eisenstein said Schneider Electric chose Columbia as part of the investment because of the trust the company has in city and county leadership.

"I think Schneider has had a fantastic experience in Columbia and Boone County. I think they love it here. I think they have a great workforce and I also think we have a strong civic infrastructure. They have leaders they can trust, and they have proven that with their investment," Eisenstein said.

North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas are also part of Schneider Electric's $700 million U.S. investment, according to the company.

Quinn said the Columbia expansion is expected to be complete by March 2026.