“JS Link America strengthens Georgia’s role in securing the U.S. supply chain in industries such as aerospace, mobility, and energy,” said Governor Kemp in the September 2025 announcement.
Permanent magnets are critical components in electric vehicles, wind turbines, data centers, and defense systems. The Columbus facility will span 130,000 square feet at the Muscogee Technology Park and is designed for an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons.
Jun Y. Lee, CEO of JS Link America, emphasized the project’s alignment with allied sourcing strategies. “JS Link plans to be a part of a value chain focused entirely on Western nations to meet the growing demand for permanent magnets sourced from strategic allies such as Korea,” Lee said.
The project underscores U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates global rare earth production. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, China accounted for 70% of worldwide rare earth output in 2023, fueling national security concerns.
Local leaders expect ripple effects across the regional economy. Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson noted that new jobs “will not only benefit the workforce here in Columbus, but throughout the entire region,” citing local schools and colleges as partners in workforce development.
Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, tied the investment to national resilience: “Permanent magnets are essential in everything from electric vehicles to jet engines and drones, and developing this technology in the United States strengthens our national security and economic resilience.”
JS Link America is nearing completion of a similar facility in Yesan, Korea, with pilot production expected this fall. Its U.S. expansion reflects a wider push to secure materials for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
