Metal recycling giant EMR is scaling up its work in EV battery recycling with the appointment of Andrew Spencer as general manager for EV batteries.

Spencer joins the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) team under director Helen Waters to continue the growth and delivery of EMR’s electric vehicle transition strategy for ELV vehicles.

Based at EMR’s Battery Recycling Centre in Birmingham, Spencer will lead one of the UK’s most advanced facilities dedicated to recycling and reusing EV batteries – building the circular battery economy and helping manufacturers to meet their sustainability ambitions.

EMR’s multi-million-pound Battery Recycling Centre was established in 2024 following the company’s leadership role in the Recovas consortium. The project has been instrumental in designing the UK’s first commercial-scale solution for recovering and reusing EV battery materials, backed by project partners that include Bentley, JLR and BMW, as well as Connected Energy, Autocraft Drivetrain Solutions, the UK Battery Innovation Centre (UKBIC) and the University of Warwick.

With EMR’s proven expertise in sustainable materials recovery and responsible recycling, the focus now shifts from development to scale – supporting the UK’s growing EV ecosystem and ensuring that valuable materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

As general manager for EV batteries, Spencer will be responsible for overseeing daily operations while driving the division’s next phase of growth – expanding capacity, deepening industry partnerships and accelerating the company’s role in the UK’s clean energy transition.

Spencer said: “The team has done an incredible job, and my first impression walking into the facility was just how exceptional it is – on par with the most advanced prototype workshops at leading car brands.

“My goal is to maintain these high standards while scaling up operations, increasing the quantity and variety of batteries we recycle, and exploring every opportunity to reuse and repurpose these critical materials. That’s how we build a truly circular battery economy.”

Spencer brings a wealth of experience from across the automotive sector, having held senior roles at Aston Martin, WMG (University of Warwick) and most recently Project 3 Mobility, part of Rimac Group.

Helen Waters, EMR’s director of ELV, added: “Over recent years, EMR has invested significantly in developing the technology and systems that will make the electrification of transport more sustainable.

“Andy’s experience across the automotive sector means he is perfectly placed to help EMR, and our partners, accelerate towards that goal – scaling our operations, expanding our partnerships and driving innovation that keeps valuable resources in the loop.”