Johnson Controls Inc. has opened its automotive battery recycling facility in Florence, S.C. The company says the new secondary lead smelting facility, built on 36 acres, is being called the Florence Recycling Center.

The construction of the facility, along with the development of the surrounding area, which cost around $150 million, will expand Johnson Control’s activities in South Carolina. (To read background on the battery recycling project click here.)

In a statement, the company says the remaining acreage not used for the battery recycling facility will remain undeveloped, with a portion of the site to be permanently protected through a conservation easement.

“We’re proud to bring a recycling facility to Florence, resulting in a strong capital investment and many jobs to the area,” says Alex Molinaroli, president of Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “We are appreciative to all those who helped support us along the way and we look forward to a strong continued relationship with the Florence community.”

The facility will recycle 132,000 metric tons of automotive batteries per year.

“The steps taken by Johnson Controls to maximize economic impact and minimize environmental effects on our area are commendable and extremely important to our citizens,” said Senator Hugh Leatherman during the official grand opening. “Throughout the process, many worked with Johnson Controls to ensure that citizens’ concerns were heard and that we had the support of entire area. This was critical in bringing the recycling center to Florence and will help ensure its success.”