Staff Report
Published Sept. 18, 2012

With local and state officials in attendance, Johnson Controls today held a grand opening for its Florence recycling center for automotive batteries.

The facility represents a $150 million investment and the creation of 250 jobs, the Milwaukee-headquartered company said.

Previous coverage Johnson Controls breaks ground on battery recycling facility Johnson Controls to build $100M battery recycling plant

"We're proud to bring a recycling facility to Florence, resulting in a strong capital investment and many jobs to the area," said 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, located on Paper Mill Road near U.S. 76, has the capacity to recycle more than 145,000 tons per year, or the equivalent of more than 14 million automotive batteries.

Johnson Controls developed 36 acres of the 685-acre site for construction of the facility and adjacent parking areas. Portions of the site will be protected through a conservation easement, officials said.

"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 state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, who joined 300 area and state leaders at the grand opening.

Since the 2011 groundbreaking, Johnson Controls has worked with area leaders and citizens, supporting the United Way, the development of Project HOPE and fundraising for Harvest Hope Food Bank.