Joe Essay – Project Manager | Phoenix, AZ

Commonwealth’s Phoenix, AZ, team works inside the rare earth metal recycling plant.

Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest’s Phoenix, AZ, team is proud to be part of the Cyclic Materials – Metals Recycling Plant project in Mesa, AZ. This $20 million industrial project represents a major step forward in sustainable resource recovery, focusing on recycling rare earth metals that are critical to modern technology. As demand for clean energy, advanced electronics, and high‑efficiency motors continues to grow, this facility will play a key role in keeping essential materials in circulation rather than relying solely on new mining operations.

Our team is delivering a comprehensive electrical installation for this cutting‑edge facility. The scope of work includes installing extensive cable tray systems, pulling in over 100,000 feet of cable, and terminating nearly 10,000 cables. This level of work requires exceptional precision, coordination, and a strong pre‑construction plan to meet the demanding schedule. Every component is carefully designed and executed to support the plant’s advanced recycling processes and ensure long‑term reliability.

The project kicked off in November 2025 and is scheduled for completion by June 2026. With such a tight timeline, our team remains committed to maintaining quality and safety while meeting key milestones. Through continuous communication, detailed planning, and on‑site problem‑solving, we are keeping the project on track and helping prepare the facility for successful commissioning.

Behind this effort is a dedicated team that drives the project forward every day: Estimator Steve Ercius, Senior Project Manager Kurt Linsenmayer, Project Manager Joe Essay, General Foreman Dan Campbell, and Superintendent Mike Romero. Their leadership and collaboration form the backbone of this complex project, guiding both field and office operations from planning to installation.

Rare earth metals are essential for technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics, yet mining them is resource‑intensive and environmentally challenging. By recycling these materials, Cyclic Materials is reducing the need for new mining operations, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving natural resources. The facility will recover valuable metals from end‑of‑life products, reduce landfill waste and hazardous disposal, support a circular economy by keeping critical materials in use, and significantly lower the carbon footprint compared to traditional mining.

Projects like this are vital for building a sustainable future and supporting the growing demand for clean energy technologies. Through innovative recycling and responsible resource management, Cyclic Materials is helping reshape how the world sources the materials that power modern life.

A Commonwealth employee operates a lift.