Johnson Controls Battery Recycling Plant Build Begins

Having opened the flood gates to millions and millions of batteries in need of recycling, car makers across the world will soon feel the pressure of having to rid themselves of the piles and piles of lithium ion or other type of similar hardware, essential for the new wave of vehicles.

As usual, the solution to this future problem will not come from the manufacturers themselves, but from the suppliers. These companies are, if you like, even more determined to recycle the used batteries, as they will become an essential part of their business.

Johnson Controls, one of the biggest parts suppliers in the world, announced today it had begun building a new battery recycling facility in Florence, S.C. The first one of its kind in the US to receive an air permit in the last 20 years, the facility will cost the supplier $150 million and will create 250 jobs in the region.

"The collaboration between the Florence community, organizations and business has been vital to the success of this facility," said Allen Martin, vice president and general manager for Johnson Controls Power Solutions Americas. "Today is particularly rewarding for everyone who has been involved in the process."

The supplier didn't go into the specific details of the future plant's operations, whose construction is expected to end later this year, in time for the start of operations in 2012. The site is, however, big enough to suit the current recycling needs, covering 36 acres near the Paper Mill Road.