Glendale-based car battery manufacturer
Clarios will spend $6 billion to develop new technology, upgrade facilities and bolster manufacturing capacity for certain products.
"The plan aims to advance American energy and critical mineral independence by strengthening the nation's critical supply of batteries essential to start every vehicle in the U.S.," the company said in a news release.
Clarios makes the low-voltage batteries and power solutions used to power nearly every type of vehicle. The company's products are found in over half of cars and trucks in the U.S.
"Now more than ever, America must protect its critical minerals and invest in technology essential to energy independence," said
Mark Wallace, chief executive officer of Clarios. "With our comprehensive strategy, Clarios is driving a major step forward for America's economic security, national security, and personal security of the American people."
Clarios has earmarked $2.5 billion for expanding manufacturing of low-critical battery chemistries, like the company's absorbent glass mat. Clarios will also increase production for additional “cutting-edge energy storage technologies” aimed at reducing America’s reliance on imports.
Clarios was the first to bring the absorbent glass mat (AGM) starter battery to the automotive market. These advanced AGM batteries support the power and electrical needs of any powertrain
Another $1.9 billion will be used for critical minerals processing and recovery. This process involves recovering nearly 100% of materials from used batteries, which will allow Clarios to keep “critical materials” like tin within the United States.
Clarios will spend $1 million to accelerate the development of advanced energy storage for artificial intelligence and data centers. The company will also invest in sodium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Finally, $600 million will be spent to modernize Clarios’ manufacturing facilities across the United States. While the global headquarters in Glendale will be included in the renovations, a final financial estimate for the project is not yet available.
Clarios leadership decided now is the time to make this multi-billion investment due in part to the new presidential administration, said
Adam Muellerweiss, vice president of strategic initiatives for the company.
"Clarios announced our $6 billion American Energy Manufacturing Strategy to focus on four critical pathways for investment enabled by the president’s leadership and federal advanced manufacturing tax credits," said Muellerweiss. "We look forward to developing specific projects and investments based on the strategic pathways identified in our plan."
Clarios operates 16 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., employing more than 5,500 employees in 32 states
This multi-faceted investment strategy will take place over the next decade, according to Monday’s announcement.
"As the leading manufacturer of the batteries Americans depend on every day, this announcement represents one of the largest opportunities in the 137-year history of Clarios, including across our U.S. operations and our global headquarters in Glendale," said Muellerweiss. "We look forward to developing specific projects and investments based on the strategic pathways identified in our plan.
