Clarios to Acquire Ecobat’s U.S. Battery Recycling Operations

Photo Credit: Clarios

Clarios plans to acquire Ecobat’s three U.S. critical mineral recovery and processing facilities, adding operations that process more than 40 million batteries annually. The proposed transaction is expected to strengthen Clarios’ battery recycling network and expand its access to recovered metals used in manufacturing.

The acquisition includes facilities in City of Industry, California; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Middletown, New York, along with Ecobat’s Dallas office. Together, the sites recover lead, tin, antimony, and other materials from used batteries, returning them to the manufacturing supply chain. The transaction is expected to close by early 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Clarios said it plans to integrate the facilities into its existing closed-loop battery processing and recovery network. Its model collects used batteries, recovers valuable materials and uses recycled content in new battery production. Bringing Ecobat’s U.S. operations into this network would expand Clarios’ recovery capacity and strengthen its position in the domestic battery supply chain.

The company also plans to evaluate further investment opportunities at the acquired facilities. During the transition, Clarios and Ecobat intend to work with employees, union representatives and regulators, with a focus on maintaining operations, environmental compliance and workforce stability. Clarios said it would also maintain and build on the facilities’ existing environmental, health and safety practices.

This acquisition forms part of Clarios’ broader $6 billion U.S. Energy Manufacturing Strategy, which includes a $1.9 billion commitment to domestic critical mineral recycling and processing. The company said it would continue evaluating opportunities to expand its U.S. recovery capabilities. Recycled lead-acid batteries are an important domestic source of recovered lead, tin and antimony, materials used in manufacturing and certain defense and advanced technology applications.

For Ecobat, the transaction completes a portfolio restructuring launched in 2025. Over approximately 16 months, the company completed 10 divestitures involving 17 sites across six countries. The sale of its North American operations follows the earlier divestment of its European business, marking the end of this restructuring phase.

The deal comes as supply chain resilience and access to recovered materials receive greater attention in U.S. manufacturing. Battery recycling can return metals to industrial use while reducing reliance on newly mined materials. However, the benefits depend on efficient collection, safe processing, consistent material quality, and reliable demand from downstream manufacturers.

Source: Clarios

SUNSHINE Spotlight：The acquisition brings established battery recovery capacity under a company with an existing battery manufacturing and recycling network. It also highlights the role of lead-acid battery recycling in recovering metals for domestic manufacturing, as companies seek more resilient supplies of critical materials.