Rolls-Royce is strengthening its US manufacturing footprint with a $75 million investment in its Aiken, South Carolina facility, expanding production of the MTU Series 4000 engines. The expansion will increase machining capabilities, add 60 new jobs, and bring the site’s workforce to 434 full-time employees.
The MTU Series 4000—produced by Rolls-Royce Power Systems (formerly MTU Friedrichshafen)—is a highly versatile engine series, powering mission-critical backup generators for data centers, hospitals, municipalities, and government facilities. Engines built in Aiken are shipped to Rolls-Royce’s Mankato, Minnesota site, where they are integrated into complete generator sets.
The Aiken expansion follows a $24 million investment earlier this year in Mankato, which added 100 new jobs. Together, the projects reflect surging demand from the fast-growing US data center industry, which is driving a boom in high-power backup generation. Rolls-Royce reported that sales of power generation products for data centers grew nearly 50% last year, with global spending on AI data centers and infrastructure projected to reach $1 trillion in the coming years.
Boosting Local Manufacturing
Currently, most MTU Series 4000 components are machined in Germany. With the new investment, Rolls-Royce will bring more machining capacity to the US, enabling faster delivery and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The expansion will be delivered in two phases:
- Phase 1: A 37,000 sq ft addition to the existing facility, with construction beginning in Q1 2026 and production scheduled for July 2027.
- Potential Phase 2: An additional 22,000 sq ft, bringing total expansion to 60,000 sq ft.
Leadership Voices
Adam Wood, Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Power Systems America, noted:
“By expanding machining in Aiken, we can supply more engines to Mankato, enabling faster genset delivery. These investments strengthen our ability to serve US customers, especially in the fast-growing data center industry.”
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster added:
“This investment and the 60 new jobs it brings represent a big win for Aiken County, reinforcing South Carolina’s leadership in advanced manufacturing.”
Adam Riddle, CEO of Rolls-Royce North America, emphasized:
“With more than half the world’s hyperscale data centers in the US, this market will remain a key growth driver for years to come. Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to US manufacturing and energy security.”
A Proven Site of Innovation
Since opening in 2010, the Aiken campus has grown into a 395,000 sq ft hub with state-of-the-art production facilities, R&D centers, test stands, and a remanufacturing and overhaul division. The site also pioneered South Carolina’s first high school vocational apprenticeship program, modeled on Germany’s dual-education system, training more than 70 students since 2012.
Sustainability is also embedded in Aiken’s operations, with a 1.35 MW solar array and a microgrid supplying renewable power to the administration building.
The investment marks the latest step in Rolls-Royce’s transformation program, reinforcing its strategic focus on expanding its power generation business and supporting America’s growing demand for reliable, domestically produced energy solutions.
