Design and Construction Report staff writer
Red Metals, a next-generation copper manufacturer, plans to invest $70 million to establish its first production facility in Charleston County, a project expected to create at least 45 jobs, the company announced.
The facility will be located at 4500 Leeds Ave. in North Charleston. The 42,000-square-foot operation will produce high-conductivity copper rod used in wire, cable and other electrical applications.
Operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The company said the plant will serve as its first manufacturing site and will use an integrated refining and production process to convert copper raw materials into finished products. Red Metals said the approach is intended to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce lead times for customers.
Copper is a key input for electrical infrastructure, data centers, electrification, advanced manufacturing and defense applications. S&P Global has projected global copper demand will nearly double by 2035, driven by growth in renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.
“Red Metals is building a modern domestic supply of copper products at a time when reliable industrial infrastructure has never been more critical,” said Jackson Switzer, founder and chief executive officer of Red Metals. “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.”
State and local officials said the investment will support South Carolina’s manufacturing sector and workforce development efforts.
“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.”
South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said the project reflects the strength of the state’s economy and workforce.
Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin said the investment will benefit key industries that rely on copper products while adding jobs to the local economy.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
Red Metals said hiring for engineers, operators and other positions will begin ahead of the facility’s startup in late 2026.
