Lancaster, Ohio – On March 20, 2025, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved a $150,000 grant to Cirba Solutions for the installation of a new rail spur at its Lancaster facility. The rail spur aims to improve the delivery of bulk raw materials to the site, further expanding the company’s operations in the region.
Cirba Solutions, a leading battery recycling company, operates five facilities across the United States. The company specializes in processing lithium, lithium-ion, and alkaline batteries, recycling approximately 15 million pounds of batteries per year. They also provide logistics and program management solutions to the battery recycling industry.
In addition to this new rail spur project, Cirba Solutions in 2022 previously invested around $250 million to expand its Lancaster facility. The company has plans for further expansion with an additional investment of more than $200 million, continuing its commitment to the region and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities.
The proposed rail project will include the installation of five storage tracks to the east of the facility, each capable of holding six cars. The installation will also feature a pipe rack for efficient loading and unloading of materials. The rail spur will be connected to the Indiana & Ohio Railway (a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.) mainline, located just north of the Cirba Solutions facility.
Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, expressed the importance of the project for the region’s economic growth. “It is always our goal to support our partners at Indiana & Ohio Railway and the Lancaster Port Authority to promote investment and employment opportunities in the region. This project will significantly enhance the fluidity of railroad operations at the Lancaster facility. Cirba Solutions’ continued success in the region is a testament to their commitment to the future,” said Dietrich.
Kraig Houser, Director of Process Technology at Cirba Solutions, also expressed gratitude for the project’s support. “Cirba Solutions is grateful to have the support of the ORDC and relevant rail stakeholders in setting up a reliable supply chain for critical minerals production in Ohio. Our intent to utilize existing rail infrastructure will provide meaningful economic benefits to a closed-loop and safe supply chain,” Houser said.
This grant and rail spur installation will further solidify Cirba Solutions’ presence in Lancaster, contributing to the economic growth of the area and supporting Ohio’s role in the growing battery recycling industry.
About the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC):
The ORDC assists Ohio communities, companies, and railroads in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service and improving railroad infrastructure. The commission also funds projects to enhance safety at railroad-highway grade crossings. Rail lines in Ohio are private property, and trespassing is strictly prohibited.
