Driven by overwhelming demand, Sortera Technologies, Inc. plans to build a second state-of-the-art scrap processing facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. The new facility will mirror the advanced capabilities of its existing operation in Markle, IN, including the use of artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to sort mixed aluminum scrap into specific alloys that can replace imported primary aluminum.
In addition, Sortera recently closed $45 million in funding, including participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures, Overlay Capital, and equipment funding from Trinity Capital (among others). This funding fuels the company’s next phase of growth as a major domestic supplier of metals upcycled from waste.
“The performance of our Markle facility and the enthusiastic response from our customers have made it clear: the domestic market is hungry for sustainable, high-quality recycled aluminum,” said Michael Siemer, CEO of Sortera Technologies. “The robust investor confidence that powered this funding, coupled with the proven customer demand that necessitates our expansion into Tennessee, is a direct result of this success. “This expansion allows us to significantly increase our capacity and establish a presence closer to many of our key customers — particularly in the automotive sector — further streamlining supply chains and enhancing our service capabilities.”
Advanced Scrap Sorting
Sortera Technologies utlizes a proprietary technology technology, combining artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensors to achieve precise sorting and capture of valuable aluminum from scrap streams, bringing new life to old metal. The company’s in-house developed software platform and industry-leading data collection of end-of-life materials address customer demands for these high-quality upcycled products. This process diverts billions of pounds of material from going overseas.
Since launching its 200,000 sq ft Markle facility in 2023, the company has experienced significant customer demand for its high-quality recycled aluminum alloys, including 380, 356, 319, and wrought (3105 and others). Sortera also produces low-silicon wrought alloys and polished end-of-life aluminum die cast alloys for direct use in 380 applications. The Markle facility demonstrates Sortera’s technological success at transforming mixed alloy scrap — historically downgraded — into high-value materials for critical applications in the automotive, construction, and aerospace industries.
In addition. dramatically reduces the energy required for aluminum production by approximately 95% compared to manufacturing from virgin materials. This translates into a substantial reduction in CO2 footprint for Sortera’s customers, supporting their ambitious sustainability and circular production goals.
New Facility
The new Lebanon will be Sortera’s second state-of-the-art processing facility. The strategic location in Tennessee will improve logistics and provide a more localized supply of high-quality recycled content to regional manufacturers. This will ultimately help manufacturers lower costs and pollution while strengthening the domestic supply chain.
The new plant will potentially increase will increase the company’s annual production capacity to ~240 million lbs, specifically aimed at addressing demand from cast, sheet, and extrusion sectors. As a result, it will create a robust, domestic circular economy for critical metals.
Sortera expects the new facility to be operational by the summer of 2026.