Clarios accelerates plans to build significant new U.S. Battery Recycling and Critical Mineral Processing capacity

Rhea-AI Summary

Clarios (NYSE:BBU) said on Nov 11, 2025 it will accelerate multiple initiatives to expand U.S. battery recycling and critical mineral processing capacity as part of its $6 billion American Energy Manufacturing Strategy. Key actions include fast-tracking restart of idled infrastructure at its Florence, South Carolina facility, advancing site selection and engineering for a new U.S. greenfield recycling and refining plant, and deploying A.I., automation, and capacity upgrades across North American operations in Mexico. Collectively the initiatives could add up to 400,000 MT of recycling capacity and include continued evaluation of acquisitions to scale capacity.

Positive

• $6 billion American Energy Manufacturing Strategy announced
• Potential additional recycling capacity of up to 400,000 MT
• Fast-tracked restart of Florence, South Carolina idled infrastructure
• A.I. and automation upgrades to increase North American throughput

Negative

• Greenfield facility in site-selection and engineering phase, timing uncertain
• Capacity target quoted as "up to" 400,000 MT, not guaranteed
• Plans include evaluating acquisitions, outcome and costs unspecified

Insights

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Analyst

Clarios is accelerating a major U.S. recycling and refining buildout tied to its $6 billion American Energy Manufacturing Strategy.

Bold, near‑term capacity moves center on fast‑tracking idled infrastructure in Florence, South Carolina, while planning a new greenfield refining facility and upgrading North American plants (including automation and A.I.). These three levers together aim to add up to 400,000 MT of recycling throughput and increase domestic availability of critical battery materials.

Key dependencies and risks include successful restart of the Florence site, timely site selection and permitting for the greenfield plant, and effective integration of A.I./automation in Mexico; each step requires capital deployment and operational execution. Monitor concrete milestones: Florence restart decisions and timelines, the chosen greenfield site and permitting progress, the achievement of the stated up to 400,000 MT throughput, and any announced acquisitions. The announcement date is Nov. 11, 2025.

Progresses previously announced $6 billion U.S. investment plan

GLENDALE, Wis., Nov. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarios today announced that it is accelerating multiple paths to grow its battery recycling and critical mineral processing capacity to meet future demand and secure essential supply chains, promoting national security, reinforcing U.S. energy independence, and protecting essential U.S. manufacturing:

Rapid Retooling of South Carolina Facility
Clarios plans to fast-track the restart of currently idled infrastructure at its Florence, South Carolina facility to quickly expand battery recycling capacity and add critical mineral processing capability. This existing site provides one of the fastest routes to scale and secure domestic capacity. With major infrastructure in place, the facility represents a unique opportunity to expand battery recycling in the U.S.

New U.S. State-of-the Art Greenfield Facility  
Clarios is in the site selection and engineering phase for a planned state-of-the-art U.S. based battery recycling and critical mineral processing facility. This facility would represent a major investment in U.S.-based recovery and refining, creating a cornerstone for domestic supply chain resilience. Once operational, it will help ensure American capacity essential for growing demand and energy independence.

North American Capacity Expansion
To immediately increase U.S. available battery supply, Clarios is implementing A.I., automation, and capacity upgrades at its existing North American facilities in Mexico. These enhancements will increase throughput and efficiency, ensuring an increased flow of recycled critical materials to U.S. manufacturing sites, essential for the resilience of the North American supply chain.

Collectively, these initiatives would provide additional recycling capacity of up to 400,000 MT.

To complement these investments, Clarios will continue to evaluate opportunities to acquire existing battery recycling capacity.

Taken together, these initiatives will allow the company to further scale battery recycling, accelerating efforts to secure supply chains and meet growing demand.

This marks a significant step forward in Clarios' commitment to help advance American energy independence, support the circular economy, and ensure long-term access to essential materials for advanced energy storage technologies. These strategic initiatives are components of Clarios' $6 billion American Energy Manufacturing Strategy, announced earlier this year, which aims to advance American energy and critical mineral independence by strengthening the nation's critical supply of batteries essential to start every vehicle in the U.S. and would expand existing operations, build new facilities, unlock innovation and create American jobs.

About Clarios

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network. Clarios is owned by Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE: BBUC, BBU; TSX: BBUC, BBU.UN) along with institutional partners of Brookfield Asset Management.

 

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SOURCE Clarios

FAQ

What did Clarios announce on Nov 11, 2025 about U.S. recycling capacity (BBU)?

Clarios said it will accelerate expansion plans—including a Florence, SC restart, a new U.S. greenfield site, and upgrades across North America—to add up to 400,000 MT of recycling capacity.

How does Clarios' $6 billion plan affect battery material supply for U.S. manufacturers (BBU)?

The $6 billion strategy aims to bolster domestic recovery and refining capacity to secure critical minerals and strengthen U.S. supply chains.

When will Clarios' Florence, South Carolina facility restart increase recycling capacity (BBU)?

Clarios said it will fast-track restart of idled Florence infrastructure to quickly expand capacity, but did not provide a specific restart date.

How much new recycling capacity does Clarios expect to add across its initiatives (BBU)?

Clarios stated the combined initiatives could provide additional recycling capacity of up to 400,000 MT.

Will Clarios use technology upgrades to boost throughput at North American sites (BBU)?

Yes. Clarios plans to implement A.I., automation, and capacity upgrades at North American facilities to increase throughput and efficiency.

Does Clarios plan acquisitions to expand recycling capacity (BBU)?

Clarios said it will continue to evaluate opportunities to acquire existing battery recycling capacity but gave no transaction details.