Clarios Strengthens U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chain with Acquisition of Ecobat
Milwaukee, Wisc., Oct. 27, 2026 – Clarios, a global leader in low voltage automotive batteries and advanced energy storage solutions, announced plans to acquire Ecobat, including the company’s three U.S. critical mineral recovery and processing facilities. The proposed acquisition will preserve and strengthen domestic critical mineral processing and recovery capacity at a time of growing demand for critical minerals and increasing focus on supply chain resilience. By integrating these facilities into its industry-leading circular supply network, Clarios will enhance its ability to recover, process, and return valuable materials into the U.S. manufacturing base.
The proposed acquisition includes three critical mineral recovery facilities located in City of Industry, Calif., Indianapolis, Ind., and Middletown, N.Y, as well as the Dallas office. Together, these facilities currently process more than 40 million batteries annually, recovering lead, tin, antimony and other materials. The transaction is expected to close by early calendar year 2027, pending customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals.
“As a world leader in critical minerals processing and recovery, Clarios is uniquely positioned to strengthen this highly capable U.S. recycling operation supported by an experienced workforce,” said Clarios CEO Mark Wallace. “We see a significant opportunity to build on Ecobat’s foundation by evaluating opportunities for future investment in these operations and supporting the continued success of the business. Together, these facilities will strengthen domestic critical mineral recycling capacity, enhance supply chain security, and support the U.S. manufacturing base for years to come.”
As part of the transition, Clarios will maintain and build upon Ecobat’s industry-recognized environmental, health, and safety practices across the acquired facilities. Following closing, Clarios will combine the best practices of both organizations, consistent with its commitment to responsible operations and the communities in which it operates. Clarios and Ecobat intend to work closely with employees, union representatives, and regulators throughout the review and transition process, with a focus on continuity of operations, environmental compliance, workforce stability and long-term investment in U.S. critical mineral processing and recovery capacity.
“I am proud of what our North American team has built. These facilities are vital to the country's supply of recycled critical minerals, and our team has earned an industry-recognized record of safety and environmental performance,” said Tom Slabe, Ecobat President and CEO. “Clarios has made a public commitment to investing in U.S. recycling capacity, and that makes it the right owner for the next chapter. This transaction completes the strategic initiative we announced with the earlier sale of our European operations, and it delivers a strong outcome for Ecobat’s stakeholders.”
Clarios operates the world's most advanced closed-loop battery processing and recovery systems, collecting used batteries, recovering critical materials, and manufacturing new batteries from recycled content. This proposed acquisition will strengthen Clarios' closed-loop model, expand access to critical materials, and enhance resilience across the domestic battery supply chain.
This transaction represents a direct investment in America’s industrial base and, workforce, while strengthening domestic supply chain independence. Recycled lead batteries are the country’s largest domestic source of recovered critical minerals, including antimony, lead, and tin, which are crucial for defense and advanced technology applications.
This investment advances Clarios' broader $6 billion U.S. Energy Manufacturing Strategy, including a $1.9 billion commitment to strengthen domestic critical mineral recycling and processing capabilities. The proposed acquisition represents an important milestone in preserving critical recycling infrastructure today while enabling future expansion. Building on this acquisition, Clarios will continue evaluating opportunities to expand capabilities across the United States.
This sale is the final step in a portfolio transformation Ecobat began in 2025, under which the company completed ten divestitures spanning seventeen sites across six countries in approximately sixteen months, including the sale of its European operations, before concluding with this sale of its North American platform.
About Clarios
Clarios is a 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 worldwide 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.
About Ecobat
Ecobat is a global leader in battery recycling and resource recovery, operating three critical mineral recovery facilities in the United States that process millions of batteries each year. Drawing on decades of operating experience across North America and Europe, Ecobat recovers lead, tin, antimony, and other essential materials, returning them to the manufacturing supply chain and supporting the responsible management of resources essential to modern life. For more information, visit www.ecobat.com.
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