Princeton NuEnergy Honored with 2025 Smart Move SC New Plant Award
Princeton NuEnergy Inc. (PNE), a prominent player in the field of advanced battery materials, has recently been acknowledged for its significant contributions to the manufacturing sector in South Carolina by receiving the esteemed "2025 Smart Move SC New Plant Award". This award, presented by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), recognizes companies that make wise decisions by establishing operations in South Carolina and actively participating in the local manufacturing ecosystem.
The award ceremony took place on October 16, 2025, during the SC Manufacturing Summit Awards Luncheon in Columbia. Princeton NuEnergy was specifically recognized for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Chester, South Carolina. This facility is dedicated to the production of advanced black mass and cathode active material (CAM) from recycled lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. By enhancing the domestic production capacity for these critical materials, PNE is not only boosting the local economy but also contributing to the overall U.S. battery supply chain, which is essential for energy independence and grid stability.
Dr. Chao Yan, Co-Founder and CEO of Princeton NuEnergy, expressed that receiving this recognition is a pivotal moment for both the Chester operational team and the broader company. He emphasized that the facility supports U.S. manufacturing leadership by ensuring that battery-grade materials are produced domestically. This effort is part of a larger vision focused on fostering a circular economy for essential materials, which is fundamental to national security and supply chain resilience.
Joey Qiao, the Chief Manufacturing Engineering Officer at PNE, highlighted the commitment to scaling operations to meet industry demands. PNE employs innovative methods such as Direct Recycling 2.0 and cathode upcycling to process battery materials more efficiently. He conveyed pride in contributing to South Carolina's manufacturing prowess, emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational excellence to enhance the resilience and efficiency of domestic supply chains.
In light of the award, Princeton NuEnergy outlined its plans for future developments at the Chester facility. These include phased capacity increases to accommodate growing market needs, acquiring additional quality certifications, and onboarding new suppliers. These initiatives are aimed at deepening domestic sourcing capabilities while also standardizing processes to maximize manufacturing efficiency.
PNE is recognized for transforming end-of-life lithium-ion materials and scrap into advanced black mass, a critical input for various battery applications. Looking forward, the company intends to leverage its proprietary direct recycling technology to generate rejuvenated battery-grade materials. This approach is designed to enhance manufacturing quality while reinforcing the resilience of supply chains as Princeton NuEnergy continues to scale its operations to meet commercial demands effectively.
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA): This organization is dedicated to representing South Carolina's manufacturing sector, facilitating collaboration among manufacturers, industry partners, and government leaders. Through events such as the SC Manufacturing Summit, SCMA aims to share best practices and recognize achievements within the industry.
South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP): Operating as a non-profit entity, SCMEP provides vital resources to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of manufacturers in South Carolina. As an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SCMEP works under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Commerce to support local businesses in their growth and innovation efforts.
About Princeton NuEnergy, Inc.: Princeton NuEnergy holds the distinction of being the most cost-effective and high-performing producer of battery-grade Cathode Active Material (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries in the United States. Utilizing a proprietary, closed-loop platform, the company engages in various high-growth material sectors, encompassing the entire lifecycle of Direct Recycling (Cathode-to-Cathode™) and Advanced Black Mass™ production. This dedication contributes significantly to the development of a robust domestic battery supply chain aligned with U.S. energy independence goals and national security initiatives.
The award ceremony took place on October 16, 2025, during the SC Manufacturing Summit Awards Luncheon in Columbia. Princeton NuEnergy was specifically recognized for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Chester, South Carolina. This facility is dedicated to the production of advanced black mass and cathode active material (CAM) from recycled lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. By enhancing the domestic production capacity for these critical materials, PNE is not only boosting the local economy but also contributing to the overall U.S. battery supply chain, which is essential for energy independence and grid stability.
Dr. Chao Yan, Co-Founder and CEO of Princeton NuEnergy, expressed that receiving this recognition is a pivotal moment for both the Chester operational team and the broader company. He emphasized that the facility supports U.S. manufacturing leadership by ensuring that battery-grade materials are produced domestically. This effort is part of a larger vision focused on fostering a circular economy for essential materials, which is fundamental to national security and supply chain resilience.
Joey Qiao, the Chief Manufacturing Engineering Officer at PNE, highlighted the commitment to scaling operations to meet industry demands. PNE employs innovative methods such as Direct Recycling 2.0 and cathode upcycling to process battery materials more efficiently. He conveyed pride in contributing to South Carolina's manufacturing prowess, emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational excellence to enhance the resilience and efficiency of domestic supply chains.
In light of the award, Princeton NuEnergy outlined its plans for future developments at the Chester facility. These include phased capacity increases to accommodate growing market needs, acquiring additional quality certifications, and onboarding new suppliers. These initiatives are aimed at deepening domestic sourcing capabilities while also standardizing processes to maximize manufacturing efficiency.
PNE is recognized for transforming end-of-life lithium-ion materials and scrap into advanced black mass, a critical input for various battery applications. Looking forward, the company intends to leverage its proprietary direct recycling technology to generate rejuvenated battery-grade materials. This approach is designed to enhance manufacturing quality while reinforcing the resilience of supply chains as Princeton NuEnergy continues to scale its operations to meet commercial demands effectively.
About the Organizations
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA): This organization is dedicated to representing South Carolina's manufacturing sector, facilitating collaboration among manufacturers, industry partners, and government leaders. Through events such as the SC Manufacturing Summit, SCMA aims to share best practices and recognize achievements within the industry.
South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP): Operating as a non-profit entity, SCMEP provides vital resources to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of manufacturers in South Carolina. As an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SCMEP works under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Commerce to support local businesses in their growth and innovation efforts.
About Princeton NuEnergy, Inc.: Princeton NuEnergy holds the distinction of being the most cost-effective and high-performing producer of battery-grade Cathode Active Material (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries in the United States. Utilizing a proprietary, closed-loop platform, the company engages in various high-growth material sectors, encompassing the entire lifecycle of Direct Recycling (Cathode-to-Cathode™) and Advanced Black Mass™ production. This dedication contributes significantly to the development of a robust domestic battery supply chain aligned with U.S. energy independence goals and national security initiatives.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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