Big investment, jobs coming to Midlands manufacturing plant
A Midlands manufacturer is expanding its operations.
Rolls-Royce announced a $75 million investment in its Aiken manufacturing plant for its mtu Series 4000 engine production.
The investment will increase the facility’s manufacturing capacity and add 60 jobs, bringing the total number of full-time positions at the company to 434, the company said in a news release.
The engines will power back-up generators that are assembled at a separate Rolls-Royce facilites in Minnesota. It will also lessen the company’s reliance on imported components, the company said.
“The increased investment strengthens our ability to serve our U.S. customers – especially in the fast-growing American data center industry,” said Adam Wood, managing director of Rolls-Royce’s power systems division in America. “By increasing our machining capabilities in Aiken, we can supply more engines to [the Minnesota facility], enabling us to deliver more gensets with shorter lead times. These investments reflect our commitment to supporting U.S. customers with reliable, locally produced solutions.”
The increased capacity will expand the Aiken plant’s footprint by an additional 60,000 square feet. Construction is expected to begin early next year with production expected to come online by the middle of 2027. Since the Aiken facility opened in 2010, it has manufactured and tested components at a 395,000-square-foot facility.
“Today’s announcement underscores Rolls-Royce’s commitment to the U.S. market and demonstrates our robust manufacturing capabilities,” said Adam Riddle, CEO of Rolls-Royce North America. “We are proud to support America’s growing demand for reliable, domestically made energy systems that strengthen our nation’s energy independence and security. With more than half the world’s hyperscale data centers located here in the U.S., this will continue to be a key growth market for many years to come.”
Job development credits were approved for the project by the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development.
“Rolls-Royce’s expansion in Aiken County further positions South Carolina as a leader in advanced manufacturing,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement. “This investment and the 60 jobs it will bring represent a big win for the community, and we are proud of the success Rolls-Royce has found in our state.”
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