Southwire Invests in Modern Rod Manufacturing
Southwire reports that its new, state‑of‑the‑art copper rod plant in Carrollton, Georgia, will reach completion by the end of 2022, with a grand opening planned for early 2023. The project forms part of Southwire’s more than $1 billion modernization commitment across its manufacturing footprint.
The new facility replaces a 40‑year‑old plant and will increase copper rod production capacity by at least 10%. Learn more about the company’s modernization and sustainability initiatives at Southwire.
“Our goal as a company is to be generationally sustainable, and the construction of this plant is a key milestone on that journey. This is a significant investment in our future,” said Southwire President and CEO Rich Stinson. He added that Southwire’s industry leadership continues to grow and that the new facility will set a higher global standard for sustainability and efficiency in rod manufacturing.
Building on Southwire’s SCR Copper Rod Legacy
Southwire first transformed the wire and cable industry in 1963 when it patented Southwire Continuous Rod (SCR®) technology. Since then, more than half of the world’s copper rod has passed through an SCR system at some stage of production.
The new Carrollton rod plant will produce more copper rod than any other SCR system, yet it will operate with a smaller environmental footprint than the older facility. This combination of higher output and lower impact supports Southwire’s long‑term growth and sustainability goals in the electrical industry.
Southwire Focuses on Renewable Power and Clean Operations
As part of its broader sustainability strategy, Southwire is partnering with Carroll EMC to power the new plant with 100% renewable electricity. The company also plans to meet and exceed state air quality requirements through advanced emission controls, including a modern “wet scrubber” system that supports cleaner operations.
In addition, the facility will continue to capture 100% of stormwater runoff and reuse it in the manufacturing process. This approach helps reduce water consumption, minimize environmental impact, and support responsible resource management on site.
“Our team is thrilled to evolve the modern assets and technology that have made Southwire an industry leader while, at the same time, advance our values of empowerment, trust, consistency and inclusion,” said Will Berry, Senior Vice President of Modernization at Southwire. “This new plant illustrates our long‑standing commitment to sustainable growth.”
