Company will expand presence in South Carolina with a capital investment of more than $100 million and 250 new jobs

FLORENCE, S.C. – Florence County Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP) and North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) announced today that Johnson Controls, Inc. plans to build a new battery recycling facility in Florence, S.C. The facility is expected to represent a capital investment of more than $100 million and create 250 new jobs.

The announcement was made by Alex Molinaroli, President for Johnson Controls Power Solutions, along with South Carolina State Senators Hugh K. Leatherman and Yancey McGill; Rusty Smith, Chairman of Florence County Council; Frank James, Vice Chairman of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership; Hank Taylor, Senior Project Manager with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and other state and local leaders.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Johnson Controls is a global Fortune 100 company with leadership positions in automotive interiors, building efficiency, and power solutions. The company already provides more than 1,000 jobs in the nearby region, including at its distribution center in Florence and a manufacturing facility in Oconee.

Johnson Controls’ Power Solutions business is the world’s leading supplier of automotive batteries, the leading independent provider of hybrid battery systems, and also a recognized leader in closed-loop, automotive battery recycling. Johnson Controls has been instrumental in making automotive batteries the most recycled consumer product in the United States.

“The proposed Florence facility will be the most innovative battery recycling operation in the world,” said Alex Molinaroli. “Our closed-loop system is state-of-the-art in terms of environmental controls, conforming well within all federal, state and local environmental regulations.”

"In today's highly competitive global economy, our state's ability to attract new jobs and investment is critical. Today's announcement is certainly an indication of our success in that regard. As well, this news is a reminder of the importance of focusing our efforts on improving the business climate here with fundamental reforms that encourage economic growth. We remain committed to continuing these efforts to encourage growth and create opportunity for more South Carolinians while helping companies like Johnson Controls be more competitive during these challenging times," said Gov. Mark Sanford.

“Johnson Controls is a world-class company and a leader in the automotive supply sector and in providing energy efficient products and services for buildings. Johnson Controls has previously invested in South Carolina, and it is gratifying to see them do so again. The company’s decision to locate its new battery recycling plant in South Carolina speaks to the strength of our workforce, the attractiveness of our business-friendly climate and our excellent market access. We appreciate the commitment Johnson Controls has made to the Palmetto State with this announcement,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“We welcome the expansion of Johnson Controls’ presence in the Pee Dee,” said State Senator Hugh K. Leatherman. “We welcome the jobs and the investment, but most particularly we welcome this great global company that has already demonstrated that it is a solid citizen of our state.”
Johnson Controls’ new facility in Florence will be located on a 270-acre site that is near other major corporate leaders such as Roche Carolina, DuPont, and Smurfit-Stone. The property is off US-76 on Paper Mill Road, and the company plans to develop approximately 36 acres for its facility and parking, leaving the remaining acreage undeveloped. Portions of the site will be permanently protected through a conservation easement.

During today’s announcement, Molinaroli referenced his own upbringing in South Carolina. “I grew up in Charleston and I graduated from USC. I know first-hand that South Carolinians care about hard work, giving back to their communities, and protecting their natural environment. We share those commitments. That’s why our company feels at home here.”

Molinaroli noted that Johnson Controls will be hosting a public meeting to discuss the facility in greater detail, answer questions and get feedback from the public. The Public Meeting will be held Monday, June 15 at 6 p.m. at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology. “We want to be good neighbors and good citizens,” said Molinaroli. “The best way to do that is by engaging the public throughout our planning process. This will be the first of what we hope will be a series of meetings with the public.”

Dr. Charles Gould, chairman of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, praised Johnson Controls’ expansion decision and the public process described by Molinaroli. “This company is committed to doing things right. We are going to do everything we can to make this important expansion a great success. The collaboration exhibited by all parties involved in this project exemplifies what teamwork is all about.”

“Having a global leader like Johnson Controls make another significant investment in this community reaffirms the qualified and diverse skill-sets of our great citizens, and the pro-business climate that continues to attract world-class companies” said Florence County Council Chairman K.G. “Rusty” Smith. “We are excited and pleased to continue the outstanding partnership that has been developed between Florence County and Johnson Controls.”