Lithium-ion batteries power the lives of millions of people around the world every day. It is likely powering the device you are reading this on right now, whether that is your cell phone, laptop, or tablet. Lithium-ion batteries also power toys, power tools, electric and hybrid vehicles, and much more. In recent years, lithium-ion technology has become more commonplace and is more popular than your standard alkaline batteries, like Duracell and Energizer. Though it is an evolving technology, lithium-ion has many advantages including reduced energy use, higher power density, longer lasting, and more importantly, 95% of lithium-ion batteries are recyclable.
Ecobat, the world’s largest battery recycler in the world, announced in February its plan to open a recycling facility right here in Arizona. The new facility is currently under construction just south of the Phoenix Metro Area in Casa Grande. This will be the third Ecobat recycling facility globally, but it will be their first in the United States and MMI Industrial and Steel gets to be part of this exciting project.
MMI was awarded a contract for services on June 2, 2023, according to Christopher Jackman, Vice President of Field Services for MMI. The scope of work includes steel fabrication and erection for most of the facility’s infrastructure including various pipe racking systems. MMI will be responsible for installing multiple conveyor lines. These lines will move batteries reaching end of life through the different stages of recycling such as sorting and shredding. Lastly, MMI will install the baghouse system and all related equipment. The baghouse is a dust collecting system which uses filter bags or pleated filters to receive dusty gas from process sources. It then captures particulate matter and exhausts clean air.
Though everything at the Ecobat project is progressing, it has not been without its challenges for MMI. The biggest one so far has being waiting on various pieces of equipment from Ecobat vendors to be delivered to the jobsite. Nevertheless, our crew of 5 to 8 members works tirelessly to meet timelines and are eager to see Ecobat’s vision come to life. As a company, we are honored to be partnered with a global leader in EV (electric vehicle) battery recycling. It is not only good for our bottom line, “The MMI team continues to foster the relationship with the Ecobat team. That has led to continued opportunities to quote and receive additional work…”, says Jackman, but it is good for our State and for the environment.
MMI cannot do the work alone. As with every project, there are key customers and vendors that assist in seeing things through to completion. We are proud to have Alteras, Copper State Bolt and Nut Co., Brown-Strauss Steel, Intsel Steel, Smith Pipe & Steel Co., Surelift Crane & Rigging and various equipment suppliers working alongside us.
Ecobat hopes to begin operations by the end of 2023.
