FLORENCE, S.C. -- Johnson Controls yesterday broke ground on a fully integrated battery recycling facility in Florence, S.C., which will be operated by Johnson Controls' Power Solutions business.

More than $150 million is being invested in building and establishing the Florence Recycling Center, slated for completion during 2012. An estimated 250 new jobs and approximately 1,000 indirect jobs will be created in the area as a result.

Johnson Controls plans to develop 36 acres of the site for its new facility and parking, with the remaining acreage undeveloped. Portions of this undeveloped acreage will be permanently protected through a conservation easement.  

In addition, Johnson Controls said the facility is the first facility of its kind to receive an U.S. EPA Clean Air Act “air permit” in nearly 20 years.