Schneider Electric Won Economic Development Award
The company was recognized for its significant investment in its El Paso manufacturing campus and regional infrastructure.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Manufacturing
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The Borderplex Alliance has named Schneider Electric the 2026 recipient of the Woody L. Hunt Excellence in Economic Development Award. This recognition follows the company's commitment to a record-breaking $700 million investment in its U.S. operations.
Why it matters
The award highlights Schneider Electric's role in bolstering regional competitiveness through large-scale job creation and plant expansion. Its partnership with the county on energy infrastructure further solidifies its impact on local efficiency and economic growth.
The company is investing $700 million into U.S. operations through 2027, marking the largest capital commitment in its 135-year history. Additionally, an infrastructure modernization project across 30 county facilities is projected to save $40 million over 20 years.
The players
Schneider Electric
This multinational company specializes in energy management and automation solutions.
Borderplex Alliance
This is a non-profit organization focused on promoting economic development and growth in the El Paso region.
Woody L. Hunt
He is a prominent regional leader whose name honors the economic development award.
The details
Schneider Electric expanded its El Paso site to increase production capacity for critical switchgear and power distribution equipment. The collaboration with the county leverages an energy savings performance contract to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Timeline
2025: The company announced its $700 million U.S. investment plan.
2026: Schneider Electric was selected for the regional economic award.
Oct 29, 2026: The award ceremony is scheduled at the Paso del Norte Hotel at 11:30 a.m.
Through 2027: The capital investment period for U.S. operations continues.
Next 20 years: El Paso County expects to realize $40 million in savings.
Market Landscape
This award marks the third annual iteration of the Woody L. Hunt Excellence in Economic Development Award. It signals a shift in the regional industrial landscape toward large-scale infrastructure and manufacturing investments that prioritize long-term efficiency.
Local residents and businesses may benefit from the modernized county facilities, which are expected to reduce energy costs and emissions over the next two decades. The expansion also suggests sustained regional economic activity and employment stability through 2027.
The takeaway
Schneider Electric's focus on regional infrastructure projects demonstrates a trend of private firms integrating into public facility management to drive efficiency. This long-term commitment provides a stable economic foundation for the El Paso area as the firm expands its manufacturing footprint.
Further reading
For more on local industrial growth, visit the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
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