Rolls-Royce invests $75M to expand engine manufacturing facility in South Carolina
Rolls-Royce has announced plans to expand its mtu Series 4000 engine manufacturing facility in Aiken, South Carolina. The company, which produces high-power backup generators and engines for critical infrastructure and data centers, is investing $75 million into the project and creating 60 new jobs at the site.
The expansion will occur in two phases. Phase one will add 37,000 square feet to the existing facility, with the potential to add another 22,000 square feet in a future phase, bringing the total to 60,000 square feet. Construction on Phase 1 is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with production expected to start by July 2027. The facility currently spans 395,000 square feet on a multi-use campus that includes engine testing, R&D, and remanufacturing operations.
The investment will allow Rolls-Royce to increase in-country machining of mtu Series 4000 engine components, most of which are currently machined in Germany. By expanding its U.S. machining capabilities, the company aims to reduce lead times and increase supply for its Mankato, Minnesota, generator assembly facility.
The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits to support the project.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Adam Wood, Managing Director for Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division in America, said, “The increased investment strengthens our ability to serve our U.S. customers – especially in the fast-growing American data center industry. By increasing our machining capabilities in Aiken, we can supply more engines to Mankato, 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.”
Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, added, “Rolls-Royce’s expansion in Aiken County further positions South Carolina as a leader in advanced manufacturing. 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.”
Adam Riddle, CEO, Rolls-Royce North America, said, "Today’s announcement underscores Rolls-Royce’s commitment to the U.S. market and demonstrates our robust manufacturing capabilities. 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."
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