Regenx says US facility back online

Canada-based Regenx Tech Corp., which recovers platinum group metals (PGMs) from end-of-life diesel catalytic converters, says operations at its Greeneville, Tennessee, facility have resumed, following “unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.”

“Several previously laid-off employees have rejoined the team, and the current facility is operating using temporary equipment until permanent replacements are installed,” Regenx says in an early November announcement.

Any upgrades made to the Greeneville plant are likely to be short lived, however, as Regenx intends to move those operations to Newport, Tennessee, about 25 miles away.

“New ownership acquired the current Greeneville property earlier this year and indicated in September that they would not renew Regenx’s lease beyond the current extension," the company says. "Following a strategic review, the company identified a more suitable property nearby in Newport, Tennessee, that fills Regenx’s long-term operational and economic goals.

Regenx notes that a new lease has been signed, which provides options for up to 10 years and secures the Newport facility as the company’s primary site.

“Transitioning to Newport presents an opportunity to support our long-term objectives," Regenx CEO Don Weatherbee says. "The new facility is a better fit for our production needs, and moving now, while we are still transitioning equipment, minimizes future disruptions and unnecessary expenses related to expansion.”

Regenx gained access to the Newport site at the start of November and relocation is expected to be complete within the next month.

The temporary equipment in Greeneville allows Regenx to maintain operations, processing approximately 1,000 pounds, or a half ton, per day.

Regenx announced the opening of the Greeneville plant in April 2023, with the company saying it would start with processing smaller batches and gradually scale up the technology in stages to 100 percent of its expected capacity of 2.5 metric tons per day. It is projected the commissioning phase will take up to 90 days to complete and reach full capacity.