News Summary
The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative at USC Aiken has officially opened, aimed at enhancing nuclear science research and creating job opportunities in the region. This $66 million facility features cutting-edge laboratories and promotes collaboration between scientists and industry leaders. Officials highlighted its role in workforce development and the advancement of AI technologies, with plans to support student internships and new commercial applications for innovative materials.
Aiken, South Carolina – The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) building at the University of South Carolina Aiken officially opened on August 7, 2025. This new research center is anticipated to advance the fields of nuclear science and job opportunities in the region.
The AMC, which covers 63,000 square feet and cost $66 million to construct, features state-of-the-art facilities including a mini data center for artificial intelligence (AI) experiments, a spacious two-stories-tall room designed for large projects, and a dedicated lab for biomaterials manufacturing. The center aims to foster collaboration among nuclear scientists, business leaders, and academic institutions, ultimately driving technological breakthroughs in various fields.
Key officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the AMC in enhancing workforce opportunities and advanced technology access for students and the community. The facility is designed to accommodate up to 100 scientists, and setup for equipment is currently ongoing.
The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative is a joint project between the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and USC Aiken, fully funded through federal resources. Its establishment aligns with initiatives from the Trump administration aimed at increasing nuclear power generation and advancements in AI technology. The center serves not only as a research facility, but also as a training ground, creating internship opportunities for USC Aiken students in preparation for careers with contracting companies and at the national nuclear site.
Strategically located just 15 miles from the main entrance to the 310-square-mile Savannah River Site, the AMC is part of a long-term vision that has been in development for over a decade. This partnership with SRNL, which currently serves as the only federal site recycling tritium for nuclear weapons, also has plans to introduce plutonium recycling capabilities. Recent legal challenges, however, have complicated efforts to ramp up production of 50 plutonium pits per year by 2030.
Secretary Wright highlighted the significance of earlier demonstrations of innovative materials developed at SRNL, noting their potential for commercial applications. Additionally, Senator Graham played a key role in securing funding for the AMC, viewing it as an opportunity to attract private investments to the area. Both officials expressed eagerness regarding the facility’s expected impact on local employment and national security.
In 2021, Battelle was appointed as the new contractor to manage the Savannah River National Laboratory under a ten-year, $3.8 billion agreement, with plans to expand the laboratory’s focus on national security, including areas such as cybersecurity and nuclear weapons development. Discussions are also underway concerning a potential new AI data center and power plant at the Savannah River Site, based on the energy requirements and advantages of developing data centers in the state of South Carolina.
The opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative is poised to have a transformative effect, bolstering research efforts in nuclear science while simultaneously equipping future generations with the skills and training necessary to excel in high-demand fields. The facility’s commitment to collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors will play a crucial role in advancing technological innovations in the region.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Facility at USC Aiken Aims to Help Advance Future Energy
- Wikipedia: Nuclear Science
- Executive Gov: SRNL Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative SC Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Advanced Manufacturing
- SC Daily Gazette: $66M Manufacturing and Research Center Opens at USC Aiken
- Google Search: Savannah River National Laboratory
- Index Journal: $66M Manufacturing and Research Center Opens at USC Aiken
- Google News: South Carolina Manufacturing
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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