Copper smelter operator Ames Copper Group is investing $26.3 million to add a new copper smelter plant to its Shelby, NC copper manufacturing plant, a recent press release issued by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced. 

The company, a joint venture between Prime Materials Recovery Inc (PMR) and Cunext Group, also plans to spend over $50 million on infrastructure, equipment, and working capital to support the new facility. 

“The manufacturing industry is critical to our success as a nation, and currently, this operation will be the only custom smelter in the United States,” Prime Materials Recovery Chief Executive Officer Bernard Schilberg said in a statement. “We are excited to be able to build upon our company’s successes and expertise and bring resources back to the United States that create more opportunities for our economy to prosper.”

A PMR company, IMC Metals America, currently produces copper used in wiring and lightning rods and copper used in defense applications at the Shelby, NC plant.

Ames Copper Group will hire casting workers, maintenance personnel, supervisors, and administrative staff to staff the site. The average annual salary may reach over $51,700. A performance-based grant of $150,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will support Cleveland County during the project.

The governor’s released not specify when the project is expected to reach completion.  

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