Indiana being considered for $1 billion plant
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Indiana is one of three states in the running for a $1 billion critical minerals processing and recovery plant being developed by Wisconsin-based Clarios, a manufacturer and recycler of low-voltage batteries.
The company said this week that it has completed preliminary site assessments and is engaging the state of Indiana—as well as Texas and Utah—for potential investment.
Clarios did not give any specific locations within Indiana that it is considering for the plant. However, the company currently operates a facility in Fort Wayne.
The company said the development of the new facility is a significant step in its strategy to enhance the domestic supply of critical minerals, which “play a pivotal role in various defense and military applications.”
One example of critical minerals is antimony, which the company said is crucial to the production of ammunition, night vision goggles, infrared sensors and precision optics.
“The extraction and processing of these minerals are vital to reducing the United States’ reliance on foreign sources and ensuring a stable and secure supply chain,” Clarios said in a news release. “This is particularly important given the current geopolitical landscape and the increasing demand for advanced defense technologies.”
A spokesperson for the Indiana Economic Development Corp. said they could not comment on any potential projects.
Clarios did not specify how many jobs would potentially come with the $1 billion facility or provide a timeline for construction. A request for more information from Inside INdiana Business was not returned.
Clarios primarily manufactures low-voltage battery technologies for mobility, with its products found in one out of ever three cars worldwide, according to the company’s website. The company employs about 18,000 people at more than 55 facilities around the globe.