New Battery Recycling Plant Underway in S.C.

Johnson Controls Inc. has broken ground on what it calls a fully-integrated battery recycling facility in Florence, S.C. The Florence Recycling Center, slated for completion during 2012, is to be operated by Johnson Controls' Power Solutions business. The new plant represents a capital investment of more than $150 million and will create an estimated 250 new jobs and about 1,000 indirect jobs in the area.

In a press announcement, Johnson Controls says the facility is the first of its kind to receive an air permit in the United States in nearly 20 years.

The groundbreaking was led by Alex Molinaroli, president of Johnson Controls Power Solutions, and included more than 150 area leaders and community members, including S.C. State Senators Hugh Leatherman and Yancey McGill, as well as Florence Mayor Steve Wukela.

“I’d like to thank the leaders from the Florence area and throughout South Carolina for their support and collaboration through this process, including the Florence County Economic Development Association, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Environmental Protection Agency, Senators Hugh Leatherman and Yancey McGill, and many others," said Molinaroli. “They have been instrumental in helping us to achieve today's milestone to be able to break ground on this important facility.”

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

More about the Florence County Recycling Center can be found at www.florencerecyclingcenter.com.