Scrap Management Industries (SMI), a ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycler firm located in Kansas City, USA, has expanded its footprint in the Midwest. It has acquired two highly operational recycling facilities, both in Kansas - the 12th & Haskell Recycle Centre in Lawrence and the East Wilson Recycle in Ottawa. These recent acquisitions are SMI's eighth and ninth locations and fit well with the company's overall strategic direction towards viable, scalable recycling solutions to promote more sustainable futures.
Enhancing regional efficiency while advancing the circular economy
SMI President and CEO Jerrit Burgess said, “This acquisition aligns with our long-term growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to providing sustainable, efficient and responsible recycling solutions.” The two sites, rebranded as Scrap Management Industries–Lawrence and Scrap Management Industries, Ottawa, will function as feeder yards to SMI’s Kansas City hub, optimising operational logistics and material flow. Importantly, all 15 employees at the acquired facilities will retain their roles.
What makes this acquisition notable is not just the geographic expansion, but its potential to deepen the region’s role in the circular economy. With aluminium and other non-ferrous metals central to the recycling sector’s environmental impact, the integration of these facilities strengthens the region’s ability to retain valuable materials in continuous use. Aluminium, for instance, is often called the ultimate circular metal because it retains its properties after infinite recycling, a fact with major economic and sustainability implications.
Building on legacy to scale industrial recycling solutions
The 20-year legacy of the Lawrence and Ottawa centres gives SMI a solid foundation to build on. Local communities have long trusted these facilities for metal recycling services. Under SMI’s stewardship, its service scope will expand to offer tailored scrap management solutions for industrial partners, something smaller operators often struggle to scale effectively.
“By adding the Lawrence and Ottawa locations, we are well-positioned to better serve our industrial partners, small businesses and individual recyclers while expanding our presence and impact in the region. ” Burgess said. He also reaffirmed SMI’s ethos: “SMI remains committed to maintaining transparent, ethical recycling practices while embracing innovation in metal recycling technology.”
Merging growth with green goals
Beyond market consolidation, this move is emblematic of a larger industry trend: regional recyclers scaling up not only to capture volume but also to contribute meaningfully to environmental goals. By enhancing service delivery and supporting the recycling of high-value metals like aluminium, SMI’s expansion reflects how smart acquisitions can advance both business goals and ecological responsibility.
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