Red Metals establishes first copper manufacturing operation in Charleston County

$70 million investment will create 45 new jobs

Red Metals, a next-generation copper manufacturer, announced it is establishing its first copper manufacturing operation in Charleston County. The company’s $70 million investment is expected to create at least 45 new jobs.

Copper is a critical input for electrical infrastructure, data centers, electrification, advanced manufacturing and defense applications. S&P Global projects global copper demand will nearly double by 2035, driven by electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure.

Red Metals is building a new domestic supply chain for copper products by converting copper raw materials directly into finished goods through an integrated refining and manufacturing process. The company’s Charleston County facility will serve as its first production operation.

“Red Metals is building a modern domestic supply of copper products at a time when reliable industrial infrastructure has never been more critical. 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,” said Red Metals Founder and CEO Jackson Switze.

Located at 4500 Leeds Ave. in North Charleston, the company’s 42,000-square-foot facility will manufacture high-conductivity copper rod used in wire, cable, and other electrical applications. The operation is designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and deliver essential copper products with shorter lead times and reduced supply chain complexity.

Operations are expected to come online in the fourth quarter of 2026. Engineers, operators, and other entrepreneurial builders interested in joining the Red Metals team should visit redmetals.com to learn more.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Red Metals is establishing its first copper manufacturing operation in Charleston County.
• The company’s $70 million investment is expected to create at least 45 new jobs.
• Red Metals is a next-generation copper manufacturer building a new domestic supply chain for finished copper products.
• The company will be located at 4500 Leeds Ave. in North Charleston, S.C.
• Engineers, operators and other entrepreneurial builders interested in joining the Red Metals team should visit redmetals.com to learn more.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of place. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.