Minster for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway has today helped launch a new range of innovative electrical accessories at the Schneider Electric Innovation Lab in Adelaide’s Gepps Cross, highlighting South Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The new ‘Iconic Essence’ range of coloured skins that enable customers to change the style and colour of a switch’s exterior look – are being produced under Schneider Electric’s iconic South Australian Clipsal brand. Designed by Xavier Lifran, the range was inspired by a love of surfing and of the vintage wooden surfboard.
Minister Ridgway toured the facility this morning and said the company’s commitment to innovation and technology is creating exciting career opportunities for people in Adelaide’s north.
“It’s pleasing to see Schneider Electric expand its product base in South Australia and ensure the famous Clipsal brand continues to have a strong presence in our state,” said Mr Ridgway.
“The Gepps Cross facility is extremely impressive and is a great example of South Australia’s transition to modern, advanced manufacturing techniques.”
Mr Ridgway said the company’s Clipsal Innovation Lab at Gepps Cross was using consumer-centric design and driving innovation, leading to the creation of exciting 21st century career paths in Adelaide’s north.
“It’s great to see Schneider using their innovation to drive employment in Adelaide’s north and create innovative products right here from South Australia,” said Minister Ridgway.
Schneider Electric currently employs around 140,000 staff across 100 countries, with a South Australian workforce of 600.
The Gepps Cross facility has become what is referred to as a Smart Factory where they are implementing the company’s own unique applications and analytics, plus edge control and connected technology.
Schneider Electric Zone President and Managing Director, Pacific Gareth O’Reilly said Clipsal has a rich history in showing how South Australian based innovative design and product development can produce products that end up in 80 per cent of Australian homes to deliver more stylish, safer, and comfortable living environments.
“Our new Iconic range has been designed in our Lab at Gepps Cross, after engaging with 2,500 customers during the design process, so that our products truly deliver what customers want and can future-proof Australian homes with the best electrical accessories,” Mr O’Reilly said.
