PMR and IMC Expand Copper Rod Production in North Carolina
Prime Materials Recovery, Inc. (PMR) is expanding copper rod production at its subsidiary IMC – Metals America, LLC in Shelby, North Carolina. The PMR IMC copper rod expansion adds new ETP and OF copper rod capacity and supports growing demand across North America.
New SCR 4500 Line and Local Jobs
PMR plans to install a Southwire SCR 4500 copper rod system in a new, purpose‑built plant on IMC’s existing site. Work is set to begin in the third quarter of 2023. As a result, the project should create about 75–80 new jobs in Cleveland County.
PMR IMC Copper Rod Expansion Adds Upcast OY Capacity
At the same time, IMC will boost its oxygen‑free (OF) copper rod output with a new line from Upcast OY of Pori, Finland. Together, these projects increase capacity for both ETP and OF copper rod. They also give customers more options for high‑quality copper products in industrial and electrical applications.
PMR CEO Bernie Schilberg said the company values its partnerships with Southwire and Upcast OY and plans to serve customers with reliable supply for many years.
PMR’s Nonferrous Metals Footprint
Each month, PMR processes and brokers more than 35 million pounds of nonferrous metals. It also trades globally through active import and export operations. PMR ranks among the largest nonferrous and polymer merchants, processors, and fabricators in the U.S.
The company is based in East Hartford, Connecticut, and operates facilities in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Delaware.
SCR 4500 System Capabilities
The SCR‑4500 system can produce about 35 metric tons per hour of 8 mm copper rod. The project includes all process equipment, from furnace loading to finished rod handling. It also features an 11‑stand Morgan “No Twist®” rolling mill from Primetals Technologies, which supports consistent quality and high throughput.
Southwire’s SCR Technologies team welcomed IMC into the SCR user group and highlighted the long‑term technical support and collaboration the companies expect to share.
