Charleston, South Carolina – A new copper manufacturing operation is headed to North Charleston, bringing a $70 million investment, at least 45 jobs and an ambitious effort to shorten a critical American supply chain.
Red Metals, a next-generation copper manufacturer, announced it will establish its first production facility in Charleston County at 4500 Leeds Avenue. The 42,000-square-foot operation is expected to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2026, manufacturing high-conductivity copper rod used in wire, cable and other electrical applications.
The announcement arrives at a time when copper is becoming increasingly important to nearly every major area of modern infrastructure. It is essential for electrical grids, data centers, advanced manufacturing, defense systems and the broader shift toward electrification.
According to information cited in the announcement, S&P Global projects worldwide copper demand will nearly double by 2035, fueled by renewable energy, electric vehicles and expanding digital infrastructure.
Red Metals plans to address part of that challenge with a different approach to copper production. Rather than depending on a lengthy, fragmented process that can move copper materials through several facilities and across international borders, the company says its integrated refining and manufacturing system will convert domestic copper raw materials, beginning with scrap, directly into finished copper rod.
In practical terms, the company’s goal is to turn available copper feedstocks into an industrial product in days rather than months. That model is intended to reduce transportation delays, simplify procurement and keep more copper processing capacity inside the United States.
For manufacturers that rely on steady copper supplies, the timing could be significant. High-conductivity rod is a basic building block for the wiring and electrical products needed in power networks, factories, energy systems and data centers. As those industries expand, dependable access to processed copper has become an increasingly important manufacturing issue.
“Red Metals is building a modern domestic supply of copper products at a time when reliable industrial infrastructure has never been more critical,” Red Metals Founder and CEO Jackson Switzer said.
“Charleston County gives us the foundation to scale a new model for copper refining and manufacturing, in close proximity to both the sources of supply and the industries that depend on it.”
Read also: Bittermilk expansion in Ravenel turns Charleston roots into a bigger Lowcountry growth story
Switzer added that the company is excited to invest in the region, create high-quality jobs and support the next generation of American manufacturing, energy and defense.
The North Charleston facility will begin with copper rod production, using an operation designed to create a more direct path from copper feedstock to finished goods. The company has described its broader vision as rebuilding domestic copper manufacturing through faster, more efficient production located closer to customers and material sources.
The project also adds to Charleston County’s growing role in advanced manufacturing. With its industrial base, logistics network and proximity to businesses that rely on essential materials, the region offers Red Metals a location from which it can begin building its domestic production model.
State officials welcomed the investment as another manufacturing gain for South Carolina.
“We are proud to welcome Red Metals to South Carolina and further strengthen our state’s manufacturing industry,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “With the addition of 45 jobs in Charleston County, this investment marks another win for our state and our workforce.”
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits connected to the project, supporting the company’s decision to establish its first copper manufacturing operation in the state.
Although the facility will begin with at least 45 new positions, the project carries a wider industrial purpose. Red Metals is entering the market as companies and policymakers increasingly look for ways to reduce dependence on complicated global supply chains for materials vital to energy, technology and national security.
Read also: Early voting opens across South Carolina ahead of June 9 statewide primaries
Copper scrap generated in the United States can serve as an important source of material for future production. By processing copper domestically and turning it into a usable finished product, Red Metals aims to keep more value, manufacturing capability and supply chain control within the country.
Operations are expected to come online late in 2026. Engineers, operators and other builders interested in employment opportunities with the company can find additional information through Red Metals’ website.
For North Charleston, the facility represents a sizable new investment and a fresh group of manufacturing jobs. For Red Metals, it is the opening step in a larger effort: building a new American copper supply chain at a moment when the metal powering modern industry is only becoming more essential.
