Rolls-Royce invests $75M in South Carolina Expanding U.S. capabilities for mission-critical power solutions

As global demand for backup power infrastructure grows—driven largely by the data center boom—Rolls-Royce is scaling up U.S.-based manufacturing of its mtu Series 4000 engines. A new $75 million investment in the Aiken, South Carolina facility marks a strategic step to strengthen local supply chains and reduce lead times in the company’s Power Systems division.

Rolls-Royce announced it will invest $75 million in expanding machining and production capabilities at its Aiken, South Carolina site to meet rising demand for its mtu Series 4000 engines. These engines serve as the core component of mission-critical backup power systems widely used in data centers, hospitals, and infrastructure hubs.

This investment will create 60 new jobs, increasing the facility's total workforce to 434 employees. Combined with a previously announced $24 million expansion at the Mankato, Minnesota generator assembly plant, Rolls-Royce has now committed $100 million to its U.S. manufacturing footprint in 2025 alone.

The expansion responds to a surge in demand from the U.S. data center industry, which has placed growing pressure on national energy infrastructure. As backup power systems become essential to ensure operational continuity during grid instability or peak loads, the ability to manufacture engine components domestically has become a key priority.

Machining moves from Germany to U.S. soil

Until now, many of the components used in mtu Series 4000 engines were machined in Germany and shipped to the U.S. as finished goods. The Aiken expansion introduces in-country machining, enabling faster delivery, shorter lead times and greater supply chain independence. The site already functions as a production and R&D campus and includes engine testing, solar-powered facilities, and a remanufacturing center.

Phase 1 of the project will add 37,000 square feet of manufacturing space, with the potential for an additional 22,000 square feet in a second phase. Construction begins in early 2026, with production scheduled to commence in July 2027. Adam Riddle, CEO of Rolls-Royce North America, commented: “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to the U.S. market and to strengthening domestic manufacturing of critical energy systems.”

Data center infrastructure as a strategic growth driver

The U.S. is home to more than half of the world’s hyperscale data centers, a sector expected to invest over $1 trillion globally in AI-capable facilities and supporting infrastructure over the coming years. In 2024, Rolls-Royce reported a nearly 50% increase in data center-related power system sales. The mtu Series 4000 has become a preferred choice for backup power in this sector due to its scalability and reliability.

Beyond data centers, these power systems are also deployed across critical national infrastructure, including hospitals, local governments, and defence installations.

Adam Wood, Managing Director of Power Systems America at Rolls-Royce, emphasized: “Increasing our machining capabilities in Aiken enables us to supply more engines to our Mankato facility, supporting U.S. customers with faster, more resilient solutions.”

Apprenticeship and workforce development

Rolls-Royce’s Aiken campus is also known for its pioneering High School Apprenticeship Program, launched in 2012. Modeled after the German dual-education system, it was the first of its kind in South Carolina, offering vocational training to high school students and resulting in certifications from both the U.S. Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Carolina. To date, more than 70 students have graduated from the program.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster welcomed the announcement, stating: “Rolls-Royce’s expansion in Aiken County further positions South Carolina as a leader in advanced manufacturing.”