News Summary
Rolls-Royce has announced a $75 million expansion of its engine manufacturing operations in Aiken, SC, creating 60 jobs. The upgrade will focus on mtu Series 4000 engines, enhancing local production capabilities. The expansion will be completed in two phases, ultimately increasing the facility size by 60,000 square feet. This investment highlights Rolls-Royce’s commitment to the power generation sector, responding to growing demand in the data center market, while also training future professionals through local apprenticeship programs.
Aiken, South Carolina – Rolls-Royce has announced an expansion of its engine manufacturing operations in Aiken, South Carolina, with a substantial investment of $75 million. This initiative is expected to create 60 new jobs in the local area, enhancing employment opportunities within the community.
The expansion will focus primarily on the production of mtu Series 4000 engines, which serve multiple purposes, including use as backup generators for data centers, hospitals, and large buildings. The engines produced at the Aiken facility will be shipped to Mankato, Minnesota, for assembly into complete generator sets, further contributing to the power generation sector.
The expansion will occur in two phases. The first phase will involve adding 37,000 square feet to the existing manufacturing footprint. Following this, a potential second phase might increase the facility by an additional 22,000 square feet, bringing the total expansion to 60,000 square feet. Construction for the first phase is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with full production expected to start by July 2027.
Adam Wood, Managing Director for Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems Division in America, indicated that this investment aims to enhance the company’s capabilities to better serve the U.S. customer base. Particularly, there is a focus on the growing demand within the data center sector, which is anticipated to see significant growth in the coming years.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster noted that the expansion positions the state as a leader in advanced manufacturing, describing it as a significant achievement for the community. The project has been supported by job development credits from the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development.
This $75 million investment reflects a strategic pivot for Rolls-Royce, which is increasingly focusing on energy and power systems beyond its traditional aerospace business. With the Aiken facility’s operational history dating back to 2010, the site currently encompasses a campus size of 395,000 square feet equipped with advanced production capabilities, a testing facility, and a research and development center. The investment is aimed at increasing local machining of mtu Series 4000 components, which are largely produced in Germany at present.
In addition to the immediate benefits of job creation and economic revitalization, the Aiken site has played a crucial role in training future manufacturing professionals through a high school apprenticeship program that has been operational since 2012. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce reported a nearly 50% increase in sales of power generation products for the data center segment last year, indicating robust demand within this sector.
With global spending on AI data centers and related infrastructure projected to approach $1 trillion in the coming years, the expansion of Rolls-Royce’s Aiken facility positions the company to capitalize on this growing market while simultaneously contributing to the local economy through job creation and skill development. The investment not only showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence, but it also underscores South Carolina’s expanding role in the advanced manufacturing landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rolls-Royce Invests $75 Million to Expand Aiken Facility
Rolls-Royce Solutions America to Expand Aiken Facility
University of South Carolina Aiken Introduces New Electrical Engineering Degree
Additional Resources
- Rolls-Royce Press Release
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- WLTX News
- Google Search: Rolls-Royce investment South Carolina
- CNBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rolls-Royce
- WRDW News
- Google News: Rolls-Royce expansion South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
