READING, Pa. – Exide Technologies announced it will be idling its lead recycling operations at its Reading, Pa., facility, effective no later than March 31, 2013. The company will continue to operate its plastics recycling business at the Reading facility. Exide will maintain the Reading facilities and the permits and approvals necessary for all recycling activities.
According to Exide Americas President Paul Hirt, the decision was based on a number of factors, including the dramatic swings in the lead market and the high capital investment needed, due to regulatory requirements, to remain operational in Reading.
"By idling this facility, we can defer spending the capital while still having the majority of our internal lead demands met through our other three recycling centers in Vernon, Calif.; Canon Hollow, Mo.; and Muncie, Ind.," Hirt said. "The decision is in no way reflective of the Reading workforce. We sincerely appreciate our employees’ dedication and commitment over the years."
A total of 150 employees will be impacted by the idling. The plastics operation will employ up to approximately 25 employees. The company says it will continue to support all current, required environmental monitoring programs at the Reading facility throughout the duration of the idling.
Exide will meet with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection within the next few weeks to discuss the steps to be taken to implement the idling.
