Century Aluminum's Mt. Holly Smelter Ignites Full Capacity, Unleashing 100 New Jobs and a Surge in US Production

A wave of economic optimism is sweeping through Berkeley County, South Carolina, as Century Aluminum proudly announces the triumphant full restart of its Mt. Holly aluminum smelter. This monumental achievement is set to inject an additional 100 high-paying jobs into the local economy, swelling the workforce to a robust 300, and significantly bolstering America's primary aluminum output.

For the past year, the Mt.

Holly facility, a vital cog in the nation's industrial machinery, had been operating at a mere 25% of its capacity. The culprit? Soaring energy costs that made full-scale production economically unfeasible. However, a strategic and diligently negotiated power agreement with Dominion Energy South Carolina, championed by dedicated state officials, has paved the way for this remarkable resurgence.

The full restart is projected to be completed by mid-2024, signaling a powerful return to full strength.

This isn't just a story of a factory reopening; it's a testament to collaboration and commitment. Governor Henry McMaster lauded the collective effort, stating, "The Century Aluminum announcement is another example of what's possible when the public and private sectors work together for the good of South Carolinians.

We appreciate Century Aluminum's continued investment in the state and look forward to the economic prosperity that these 100 new jobs will bring to Berkeley County." His sentiments were echoed by U.S. Senator Tim Scott, who emphasized the critical role of domestic manufacturing: "This is great news for Berkeley County and our nation.

Century Aluminum's full restart will create 100 jobs and boost American aluminum production, further strengthening our domestic supply chains."

Jesse Gary, CEO of Century Aluminum, expressed profound gratitude for the support received, underscoring the long-term viability and national importance of the Mt.

Holly operation. "We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support from Governor McMaster, Senator Scott, and the entire South Carolina delegation," Gary stated. "This new power agreement with Dominion Energy is a game-changer, ensuring the Mt. Holly smelter's long-term sustainability and our ability to contribute significantly to the national economy and security through robust domestic aluminum production."

The Mt.

Holly smelter, which first opened its doors in 1980, has a storied history of resilience, navigating various market fluctuations and challenges. Its sustained operation at full capacity—producing approximately 230,000 tons of primary aluminum annually—is not merely an economic boon for the region but a strategic imperative for national security.

Primary aluminum is a cornerstone material for countless industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and defense, making domestic production crucial for safeguarding supply chains against global volatilities.

This restart marks a pivotal moment for Berkeley County, promising a ripple effect of economic benefits, from direct employment to increased local spending and business opportunities.

It stands as a beacon of American manufacturing prowess, demonstrating that with strategic partnerships and determined leadership, vital industries can thrive, create jobs, and secure the nation's economic future.