News Summary
JS Link America is set to invest $223 million in a new manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia, focusing on rare earth permanent magnets. Expected to generate over 520 jobs with an average wage of $89,000, the facility will play a crucial role in the local economy and enhance U.S. supply chains for high-tech industries. The plant aims to start operations by late 2027, reflecting Georgia’s commitment to secure supply chains and boost its manufacturing capabilities.
Columbus, Georgia – JS Link America, the U.S. subsidiary of South Korea’s JS Link, has announced an investment of $223 million to establish its first manufacturing facility in the United States. The new plant will be located at the Muscogee Technology Park in east Columbus and is expected to begin operations in late 2027. It aims to produce rare earth permanent magnets, vital components used in various applications including automobiles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics.
The investment is projected to create more than 520 jobs in Muscogee County, with an average wage estimated at approximately $89,000 per year. This influx of jobs is seen as a significant boost to the local economy, providing opportunities across engineering, production, construction, administration, and management sectors.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the investment and emphasized its importance in strengthening the state’s role in ensuring a secure U.S. supply chain for industries such as aerospace, mobility, and energy. The establishment of the JS Link America facility aligns with broader economic strategies aimed at attracting high-tech manufacturing and creating reliable job opportunities.
The new facility will span 130,000 square feet with an anticipated annual production capacity of 3,000 tons. JS Link specializes in research and development, particularly in the manufacturing of permanent magnets, which have become essential across a range of industries due to their pivotal role in technological advancements and sustainable practices.
Furthermore, JS Link America aims to focus its value chain on Western nations, addressing the growing demand for strategically sourced permanent magnets. This initiative is particularly relevant for allies such as South Korea, with the company already nearing completion of a similar facility in Yesan, South Korea, which is expected to commence a pilot production run in September with an annual capacity of 1,000 tons.
The announcement is viewed as a significant economic development milestone for the community, particularly for the recently appointed president and CEO of Choose Columbus, Missy Kendrick. Local leaders have expressed enthusiasm regarding the potential economic impact and growth opportunities that JS Link America’s presence is expected to bring to the region.
With operations projected to enhance both local employment and the technological landscape, the JS Link America facility is poised to play a critical role in the U.S. manufacturing sector, particularly in the production of rare earth materials essential for modern technologies. This is part of a broader effort to invest in and secure local supply chains to meet future demands in various innovative fields.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AJC: $223M Magnet Manufacturing Facility Headed for Columbus
- Wikipedia: Rare Earth Element
- WRBL: JS Link America to Bring $223M Plant, 520 Jobs to Columbus
- Google Search: Magnet Manufacturing
- ScienceDirect: Article on Permanent Magnets
- Google Scholar: Permanent Magnets
- WTVM: Gov. Brian Kemp Announces New Magnet Facility Coming to Columbus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Magnet Manufacturing
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
