Highlights
- Germany-based VACUUMSCHMELZE opens cutting-edge rare earth magnet manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina
- Facility will create 300 full-time skilled jobs
- Expected to reach full operational capacity in early 2026
- Project supports U.S. national security by reducing dependence on Chinese rare earth magnet supply for defense and energy sectors
Recently, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (opens in a new tab) toured the newly completed eVAC Magnetics facility (opens in a new tab) in Sumter, South Carolina, marking a milestone in America’s effort to rebuild its domestic rare earth magnet supply chain. Operated by Germany-based VACUUMSCHMELZE (VAC) (opens in a new tab), the Sumter plant represents one of the most advanced rare earth magnet manufacturing operations in the United States—aimed squarely at reducing dependence on Chinese supply and supporting critical defense and energy sectors.
The facility is expected to begin production within weeks and reach full operational capacity in early 2026, creating 300 full-time skilled jobs in Sumter County. Executive Chairman Troy Thacker briefed Senator Graham on eVAC’s proprietary magnet production technologies, which enable the production of lightweight, high-performance rare-earth permanent magnets (REPMs) for a broad range of industrial and military applications.
Senator Graham praised the project’s contribution to U.S. economic and national security, emphasizing its alignment with the Department of Defense’s efforts to onshore critical materials manufacturing. “We look forward to working with him in the future to bolster American manufacturing and reinforce American military readiness,” said Thacker.
With production readiness imminent, eVAC Magnetics stands at the forefront of a new generation of U.S.-based rare-earth magnet producers, signaling renewed momentum in the nation’s drive for strategic materials independence.
©!-- /wp:paragraph -->
Where does the metal supply come from or is it in-house? In that case, from where are the oxides derived? Any present Chinese involvement? These questions seem to become of greater importance almost daily in this hyperbolic global RE sector. GLTA – REI