Rolls-Royce powers data center growth with increased investment in U.S. manufacturing
Posted on June 03, 2025
- $24 million investment in Mankato, Minnesota, will more than double production and create jobs
- New facility to help meet record demand for data center backup power generation systems
- Engines and complete generator sets manufactured in U.S.
Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) is today announcing a $24 million investment in Mankato, Minnesota, that will more than double production of backup power generation systems for data centers and create more than 100 American jobs.
The investment includes a new 2.5 hectare Logistics Operations Center (LOC) located adjacent to the company’s existing manufacturing facility. It will enable Rolls-Royce to increase production capacity for its mtu Series 4000 generator sets, which are in high demand from the rapidly growing data center industry.
Rolls-Royce is investing significantly in its U.S. operations. This expansion of Mankato builds on the more than $1 billion Rolls-Royce has invested in the U.S. over the past decade.
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce, said: “The U.S. market is very important to Rolls-Royce. We have a proud history in America and we are committed to strengthening our presence to support further growth, bringing economic benefits and job opportunities. Today’s announcement is proof of the transformation of Rolls-Royce in action, enabling us to invest in areas of strategic focus, such as power generation.”
Rolls-Royce anticipates production at the Minnesota facility will increase by more than 120% by 2026 as compared to last year, with further growth expected in the future. The LOC is expected to become operational next spring, with new jobs created over the next three years.
The generator sets use mtu Series 4000 engines that are currently built at the Rolls-Royce facility in Aiken, South Carolina. The Aiken facility is also expected to see an increase in engine production, resulting in a further increase in headcount to keep up with demand.
This investment supports the strategic ambitions of Rolls-Royce to profitably grow the power generation operations of its Power Systems division. Last year sales of power generation products for the data center segment grew almost 50%. The U.S. leads the data center market, with more than half of the world’s hyperscale data centers located in the country. As much as $1 trillion is expected to be spent in the U.S. on AI data centers, components, and associated infrastructure over the next few years.
Joerg Stratmann, CEO of Power Systems, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our hyperscale data center customers have relied on our solutions and partnership for mission critical power for over 15 years – a result of our strategic focus and continuous investment in this sector. This deliberate market positioning has enabled us to effectively address the exponential rise in demand from the data center industry, particularly in the U.S. where this critical new infrastructure will be built.”
The LOC will provide additional capacity for both logistics and assembly operations for the Mankato plant, which exclusively manufactures power generation systems. It also supports the company’s firm commitment to safety by allowing all logistics and assembly activities to be conducted in climate-controlled environments, even with the significant increase in throughput. The LOC offers the development of future capacity and capabilities as the energy landscape continues to evolve.
Since acquiring the business in 2007, Rolls-Royce has continued to invest in its manufacturing operations at the Mankato site, most recently completing a $13.9m expansion of the main manufacturing site and the addition of a research and development center in 2021.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
- Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 48 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
- Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
- Annual underlying revenue was £17.8 billion in 2024, and underlying operating profit was £2.46 billion.
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)5.
- Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,350 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.
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