Century Aluminum celebrates return to full production at Berkeley County smelter

Photo courtesy of Jeff Leieritz/Compass Global Communications

Century Aluminum marked the completion of a major expansion at its Mt. Holly aluminum smelter in Berkeley County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 27, celebrating the facility’s return to full production for the first time in more than a decade. Company officials said the expansion increases total U.S. primary aluminum production by approximately 10% while growing the Mt. Holly workforce to more than 600 employees.

The milestone follows an announcement in April when Century Aluminum said it had begun producing its first hot metal from the restarted potline after completing a major expansion project. At the time, the company said the project had created more than 125 jobs in South Carolina and was expected to return the plant to full production by the end of June. The expansion also strengthens Century’s position as the nation’s largest producer of primary aluminum.

The July 27 ceremony brought together federal, state and company leaders, including U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Century Aluminum President and CEO Jesse Gary, and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Company officials said the investment reflects renewed confidence in domestic aluminum manufacturing and highlighted the strategic importance of increasing U.S. production of the metal, which is used in the automotive, aerospace, construction, electrical and defense industries.

Century Aluminum has credited federal trade policies, including Section 232 aluminum tariffs, with helping make the Mt. Holly expansion possible. The company said the project restores production capacity that had been idled for years and represents a significant step toward strengthening the domestic aluminum supply chain. During the ceremony, Gary described the expansion as “just the beginning” of the company’s efforts to rebuild U.S. aluminum production.

Located in Goose Creek, the Mt. Holly facility is one of only a handful of primary aluminum smelters operating in the United States. The expansion is expected to play a significant role in increasing the nation’s domestic aluminum production while reinforcing Berkeley County’s position as a key center for advanced manufacturing in South Carolina.