Schneider Electric plant in Wuhan recognized as one of three global “Talent Lighthouses” by World Economic Forum

Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy technologies, today announced that its plant in Wuhan (China) has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Global Lighthouse for Talent—one of only three sites worldwide to receive this designation.

The Global Lighthouse Network is a World Economic Forum initiative that recognizes advanced manufacturing sites and value chains that have achieved exceptional results in productivity, supply chain resilience, customer centricity, sustainability, and talent development. The initiative was co-founded with McKinsey & Company and is supported by an advisory board of industry leaders who collectively shape the future of global manufacturing.

A new award category—Talent Lighthouse—identifies manufacturing sites that achieve a transformational impact on the workforce through advanced solutions in work process and safety design, talent planning, engagement and onboarding, development, and workforce effectiveness.

The Wuhan plant became Schneider Electric’s ninth Lighthouse site globally and the first recognized for talent development, complementing the company’s eight other Lighthouse factories and distribution centers, including five Sustainability Lighthouses.

As Schneider Electric’s strategic supply chain hub in China and a model of digital manufacturing transformation, the Wuhan plant faced significant workforce challenges driven by rapid automation and a 239% expansion of its product portfolio. Initially, only 20% of employees had automation skills, onboarding new employees took 75 days, and technical staff turnover reached 48%.

Over the past five years, the plant increased its automation level by 55% and expanded its product portfolio by 239%, creating a critical