The Aurubis Richmond copper recycling plant is now poised to bring some 200 jobs before it completes construction in about three years.
The German manufacturer, which began construction on its new Augusta location in June of 2022, announced its plans last month to invest more funds to expand the project.
“We have received a very friendly welcome so far in Augusta, and in Georgia in general, and have been strongly supported in building up this site and advancing multi-metal recycling in the U.S.,” said Aurubis spokesperson Meino Hauschildt. “The positive experience has led to the decision to continue to invest in this new site.”
Aurubis’ Supervisory Board prepared and approved the expansion in December 2022, shortly before the company made the announcement. The copper producer has touted the CSRA’s suitability for its operations in the Southeast, such as its proximity to the Port of Savannah and Augusta’s “availability of utilities, skilled workers and options for possible expansions.”
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The company also cites a a projected 5% annual increase of recycling volume in North America in the coming years, a growth of about six million tons of recyclable, metal-bearing materials in the U.S.
Aurubis also continues to stress its compliance to environmental protection standards, noting a rising sustainability awareness.
“We want to take this excellent opportunity by investing in this fast-growing environment and recycling the valuable materials available,” Hauschildt said.
Aurubis broke ground on its Augusta facility in Augusta Corporate Park on June 17, 2022, at the time launching a two-year construction project. Augusta’s place along the Southeast’s burgeoning manufacturing corridor seems promising enough for Aurubis to almost double its investment.
After the facility is completed, including the expansion, which entails a second recycling module, sometime in 2026, Aurubis will have spent the equivalent of more than $600 million on its Georgia location.
Aurubis Richmond will be the third hub of Aurubis’ U.S. presence. The company also owns another copper plant in New York, Aurubis Buffalo, formerly American Brass; and Aurubis Chicago, a sales and distribution center in Chicago, Ill.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
