A German metal recycling company is coming to the CSRA and bringing with it 125 skilled manufacturing jobs.
Yesterday, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Aurubis AG has authorized the construction of a $340 million recycling and secondary-smelting plant – the only one of its kind in the U.S. – located at 4760 Mike Padgett Highway in Augusta Corporate Park. The plant is expected to open by early 2024.
Jobs
Aurubis is scheduled to begin hiring for various positions at the new plant in summer 2022. Cal Wray – President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority – says the jobs will be in advanced manufacturing, but he isn’t sure yet what the salaries will be. “I’m not familiar with their pay scale, but I think they pay better than most,” Wray states. ABD researched the international company. According to Indeed, the salary for a mill operator at Aurubis in Buffalo, New York is approximately $50,000 per year, while a production supervisor can expect to earn a yearly salary of approximately $63,000.
According to the website, mymove.com, the cost of living is almost 14% higher in Buffalo, so these salaries may not be indicative of what those in Augusta should expect to earn.
Indeed also lists employee ratings of the company in various categories, such as culture; pay and benefits; opportunities for advancement; and management. On that site, Aurubis has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5. The company hasn’t announced the specific jobs it plans to fill locally, but those interested in applying are encouraged to visit http://www.aurubis.com/en/career/jobs for more information.
About the Company and a Local Reaction
Founded in 2008, Aurubis recycles various non-ferrous metals, such as nickel, lead, and zinc, as well as precious metals. It’s one of the world’s leading recyclers of copper, producing over 1 million tons of copper cathodes each year. Steven Kendrick – Chairman of the AEDA – says Augusta is humbled to have been selected as the plant’s future home. “As a leader in their industry, they will build a world-class advanced manufacturing facility and also will bring skilled jobs to Augusta,” Kendrick states.
Perspective
Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Economist at the Hull College of Business cautions Augustans on the significance of yesterday’s announcement.
He says the 125 new jobs doesn’t come close to offsetting the 1,900 jobs lost in the Metro Augusta area in September and represents just 0.05% of employment in the CSRA.
“We would need 15 such facilities just to replace the workers lost in ones, twos and tens from other employers that do not make headlines.”
