Lancaster facility triples in size, creates over 100 jobs for Ohioans

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- More jobs are on the way to central Ohio, made possible through federal funding for a battery recycling facility in Lancaster.

The facility, owned by Cirba Solutions, is the first nationwide to open as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. It received nearly $75 million for its expansion, creating over one hundred new jobs.

The facility broke ground over a year ago and will help recycle something people use every day - batteries. They are in everything from iPhones to electric vehicles, and for many, are sitting in kitchen or desk drawers. Recycling them creates potential for the economy, energy security and sustainability.

"When you think about lithium-ion batteries, one thing to keep in mind (is) the largest operating mine in the world is driving around our streets right now," David Klanecky, CEO of Cirba Solutions, said. "It's on us to actually make sure that those batteries come off the road, we recycle those batteries, and we recover those materials so they can go right back on the road for a new vehicle again."

The battery recycling facility is now almost three times the size it was before, and Wednesday's ribbon cutting was symbolic of the first phase of the project. The second phase is projected to be operational by April of 2026.

"The material in the battery doesn't wear out all at once, and so there's so much that's reusable so this is a critical element not just to this region, but to this country and really to the world," David Crane, U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Infrastructure, said.

Crane said when allocating funding, they prioritize companies with positive workforce relationships. He said work doesn't get done without a capable workforce and the community's support, and Lancaster fits that bill.