Evans to Build German-Based e-VAC Magnetics’ First U.S. Facility

A leading manufacturer of rare earth permanent magnetics in the Western Hemisphere breaks ground on new domestic manufacturing operations

SUMTER, SC (March 7, 2024) – German magnet manufacturer Vacuumschmelze, the parent company of e-VAC Magnetics (e-VAC), intends to build a new manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. This project represents the largest economic development deal in Sumter County history. Under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, through its Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office, e-VAC Magnetics will acquire and install manufacturing equipment, operationalize technical infrastructure, and engineer production lines to establish high volume rare earth permanent magnet production by 2025.

The groundbreaking for the new facility on 85 acres is the first milestone for e-VAC and Evans as they work to build this one-of-a-kind plant.

South Carolina’s economic strategy, targeting electric vehicle makers and suppliers in the automotive industry, awarded certain provisions to eVAC that will offset development costs, including the purchase of land and improvements to roads, water, and sewer connections. Pocotaligo Industrial Park, the site for eVAC’s new facility, was one of 200 sites competing for its business.

“Our concerted efforts to attract electric-vehicle related businesses to South Carolina continue to pay off in a major way, this time with more than half a billion dollars invested and 300 new jobs for Sumter County. This transformative investment by eVAC will bolster Sumter’s economy while strengthening our already thriving electric vehicle supply chain,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

Rare earth permanent magnets are essential components for electric vehicle engines used in a broad portfolio of EVs as well as the F-35, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and numerous other defense systems. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III highlighted eVAC as the only manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere working in this field.

“You can’t understate how world-class this company is,” stated Lightsey. “Their technology is cutting-edge, leading technology.”

When delivered, the facility is designed to produce 1600 tons per year of material and will use locally sourced raw materials.

Article sources: U.S. Department of Defense; South Carolina Daily Gazette, South Carolina Department of Commerce