Sortera Technologies, Inc., the US-based aluminium sorting and upcycling specialist, has raised US$45 million in new funding to accelerate its expansion as a domestic supplier of high-value recycled metals. The round was led by accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates and VXI Capital, with participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures and Overlay Capital. Additional equipment financing was provided by Trinity Capital.
The funding will support the company’s next phase of growth, including the development of a second advanced processing facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. The expansion follows strong customer demand and the proven success of Sortera’s flagship 200,000 sq. ft. plant in Markle, Indiana, which began operations in early 2023.
Sortera uses artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and data analytics to sort mixed aluminium scrap into precise alloy grades that can replace imported primary aluminium. The company is currently the only producer of end-of-life recycled aluminium in key alloys such as 380, 356, 319 and certain wrought grades, supplying sectors including automotive, construction and aerospace.
Chief Executive Michael Siemer said demand for high-quality recycled aluminium is rapidly increasing across the US. “The domestic market is hungry for sustainable, high-quality recycled aluminium,” he noted. “Investor confidence and customer demand have enabled us to expand into Tennessee, bringing us closer to key customers—particularly in the automotive sector—and strengthening supply chains.”
Sortera’s proprietary AI-enabled sorting systems allow for precise alloy compositions tailored to customer requirements, diverting significant volumes of scrap from overseas markets and reducing energy consumption by up to 95% compared to producing aluminium from virgin materials. This, the company said, can substantially cut the carbon footprint for manufacturers seeking circular and low-emission supply chains.
The Tennessee facility will replicate the advanced capabilities of the Markle plant, targeting the full spectrum of mixed aluminium scrap—including cast, sheet and extrusion materials—and could lift Sortera’s total production capacity to roughly 240 million pounds annually. The new plant is expected to be operational by summer 2026. Further project details will be released in the coming months.
