Rolls‑Royce expands in US to scale production of high-demand engines
Rolls‑Royce is deepening its US manufacturing presence with an expansion of its mtu Series 4000 engine facility in Aiken County, South Carolina. The move follows rising demand for resilient backup power systems driven by the growth of data centers across the country.
The Aiken expansion supports the power generation market, which saw a nearly 50 percent year-over-year increase in sales. With more frequent grid disruptions and around-the-clock uptime required by data infrastructure, reliable on-site power has become essential for large-scale operations.
Domestic machining to reduce lead times and build resilience
The South Carolina expansion includes localized component machining. Previously, many mtu Series 4000 parts were imported from Germany, extending lead times and exposing production to international logistics issues.
Phase 1 of the expansion will add 37,000 square feet to the facility. Work is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with production expected by mid-2027. A potential Phase 2 would add another 22,000 square feet.
The ability to machine key components domestically represents more than a logistical shift, it reflects a strategic move to improve response times and reduce reliance on overseas supply.
Local economic impact
The expansion will create 60 new full-time jobs, bringing the facility’s total workforce to 434. New roles include machinists, engineers, and skilled technicians.
Support from South Carolina officials, including Governor Henry McMaster and the Department of Commerce, helped secure the project through job development credits and local alignment. The investment strengthens the region’s standing in advanced manufacturing and boosts long-term employment opportunities.
Innovation legacy at Aiken
Since opening in 2010, the Aiken facility has grown to 395,000 square feet. It now includes a testing center, research labs, and a vocational apprenticeship program that introduces high school students to modern manufacturing careers.
The facility also features a 1.35-megawatt solar array, contributing to Rolls‑Royce’s sustainability goals. With a focus on training, technology, and environmental efficiency, the site is positioned as a long-term contributor to both the company and the community.
Rolls‑Royce’s recent US investments follow shifts in global trade policy and logistical uncertainty. Tariffs, shipping delays, and geopolitical risk have made foreign dependencies more costly.
Bringing engine production closer to US customers aligns with industry-wide efforts to shorten supply chains and secure critical manufacturing. For data centers and infrastructure clients, lead time directly affects reliability. The Aiken expansion, alongside a recent project in Minnesota, marks a broader effort to future-proof operations and ensure uninterrupted delivery of high-demand systems.
Sources:
Rolls‑Royce
Photo credit:
Rolls-Royce Series 4000