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Schneider Electric Opens New Data Center and Microgrid Testing Labs at Global R&D Center in Massachusetts

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As part of €2.26 billion (approx. $2.4 billion) invested recently in global R&D, new testing laboratories support surging market growthSchneider Electric designs and develops reliable, efficient power distribution units, tested, validated in Andover for the AI data center marketNew microgrid lab simulates, tests and validates microgrids in real-world situations, accelerating delivery of resilient and efficient power solutions

ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, held a ribbon cutting today to mark the opening of new data center and microgrid research laboratories in the heart of its Global R&D Center in Andover, Mass.

The new labs are a part of €2.26 billion (approx. $2.4 billion) that the company invested in 2024 globally to support research and development. Andover is one of five R&D Centers operated by the company.

With the addition of the new spaces, Schneider Electric now has 40 labs in Andover. The 6,000-square-foot Power Distribution Unit (PDU) laboratory contains three testing bays and allows researchers to test high-powered voltage systems that the company designs and develops for the AI data center market. The 1,500-square-foot microgrid laboratory includes four 90kW grid simulators and three 45kW solar simulators, simulating the power demands of roughly 300 homes and solar energy for 110 homes. The lab enables researchers to test fully functioning microgrids under real-world conditions, allowing Schneider to more quickly design and deliver microgrids for its customers.

“As AI revolutionizes industries and consumers demand more data for digital services, the need for data centers continues to rapidly expand,” said Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Data Centers & Networks at Schneider Electric. “Additionally, industrial environments, businesses, municipalities, hospitals, and schools are seeking resilient solutions for their energy needs, and microgrids offer a terrific solution. These new R&D labs will help us deliver future-proof, reliable and efficient energy solutions to our customers.”

In 2024, Schneider Electric’s energy-management business grew by double digits. As part of industry-leading efforts to develop energy strategies to unlock the AI era, Schneider Electric recently released new data center reference designs in partnership with Nvidia to support liquid-cooled, high-density AI clusters. In North America, Schneider Electric has designed, built and maintains 350-plus advanced microgrid projects. Last year, Schneider Electric microgrids in the United States managed more than 100 gigawatts of energy, enough to power 75 million homes.

The new labs solidify Schneider Electric’s position as the largest clean energy company in Massachusetts. The company employs 1,600 people in the state, including 700 at the Andover facility. Schneider Electric’s many investments in the Boston region include sponsoring all Boston Athletic Association events as the organization’s “Official Sustainability Partner,” including the iconic Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, as well as the Boston 5K, Boston 10K and Boston Half.

The investment also supports the recently passed Mass Leads Act, which aims to grow the state’s economy via emerging industries, such as climate tech, life sciences and artificial intelligence. Yvonne Hao, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development, and Rebecca Tepper, Energy and Environmental Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, attended today’s ceremony.

“Microgrids are a critical tool to power our homes, businesses, and growing industries like AI,” said Secretary Tepper. “Schneider Electric’s innovative technologies tested and utilized here in Andover will help meet growing demand with clean energy resources, demonstrating again that our economic development and climate goals are closely linked.”

Secretary Hao added: “The opening of Schneider Electric’s new data center and microgrid laboratories signals a continued era of growth and innovation for our state. Data centers are critical to our nation’s economy from everything to banking, manufacturing, education and entertainment, and microgrids have emerged as a game changer in strengthening facilities and communities against energy disruptions.”

Power Distribution Lab Tests Reliable, Efficient Systems for Data Centers, IT Networks

The data center lab features high-voltage test stations and 3D-printing stations. Schneider Electric offers modular and configurable PDUs. These units are known for their robust design, ease of installation, and integration with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure software platform, ensuring seamless operation and optimization of power usage. This includes testing basic, metered, and switched PDUs that offer varying levels of monitoring and control to meet different needs. For example, NetShelter Metered Rack PDUs provide remote monitoring of connected loads, which helps in managing and optimizing power usage.

Microgrid Lab Simulates Distributed Energy Resources in Real-World Situations

The microgrid lab can test various Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), including on-site renewables like solar, backup generators, battery energy storage systems and EV charging, for buildings on campuses or in office parks.

“The microgrid lab is used to pre-test and validate our EcoStruxure™ Microgrid Flex solutions, helping to deploy microgrids more efficiently,” said Khaled Fakhuri, Schneider Electric’s Senior Vice President of Global Microgrids. “By integrating a spectrum of DERs, alongside a grid connection, the lab delivers tested, validated and documented architectures using a more standardized approach to accelerate the deployment of robust microgrid controls.

“The lab has already aided us with the deployment of several microgrids including JFK Airport’s New Terminal One project, overseen by AlphaStruxure, a joint venture of Schneider Electric and Carlyle, and for Bimbo Bakeries’ facilities in California, a GreenStruxure project,” Fakhuri added.

The microgrid lab also offers rigorous testing for battery energy storage systems to ensure peak performance during critical periods, such as high-peak pricing or grid interruptions. The Andover facility features Schneider Electric’s new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), an all-in-one, behind-the-meter, energy-storage system. Seven-foot and 20-foot containerized battery systems were installed and are used to simulate energy storage.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.

www.se.com  

Discover Life Is On

Follow us on: X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog 

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

Hashtags: #SchneiderElectric #EnergyEfficiency #DataCenters #Microgrids #MassLeadsAct #AI

 

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SOURCE Schneider Electric

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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3 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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