Devon-based clean technology company, Altilium, has seen its workforce surge past 50 employees following a significant injection of international investment. The expansion comes on the heels of substantial inward investment during the first quarter of 2025, including a £1.93 million investment from Mizuho Bank and a £3.86 million strategic investment from Japanese trading and investment group Marubeni Corporation.

The company is scaling up its electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling operations, creating “green jobs” and attracting international capital to the region. Recent recruitment has brought chemical and mechanical engineering specialists from across the UK into the team. David Cartwright has also been appointed to the newly created role of managing director, with further job creation expected in the coming months.

With the backing of Mizuho and Marubeni, Altilium is continuing to expand its UK recycling operations, including the ongoing development of its ACT 2 recycling facility in Plymouth. The 18,000 sq ft facility, described as “the first of its kind in the UK,” is capable of recovering large volumes of critical metals, such as lithium, from end-of-life EV batteries. This operation aims to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported raw materials, thereby making EVs even more environmentally friendly.

Emily Hatcher, head of people and culture at Altilium, said: “We’re excited to hit this major milestone and exceptionally proud of what our teams have achieved so far. Our success is built on the hard work and dedication of our people who have shaped Altilium into the dynamic, leading force in EV battery recycling that it is today. Our teams across R&D, Engineering and Business Operations are driving advancements in clean technology every day, building a truly circular economy for critical battery materials and this is just the beginning. We plan to continue accelerating and have exciting expansion plans ahead.”

Image source: Altilium