American Iron and Metal (AIM) Recycling has a rich Canadian history. The company was founded in 1936 by Peter Black in Montr al, Quebec, on the humble grounds of his first small business. Since that day, AIM Recycling has grown to become a global leader in metal recycling.

Today, AIM’s operations are headed by its founder’s successors: Herbert, Ronald and Ricky Black, who have vowed to uphold the company’s longestablished standards of quality.

From its humble Canadian origins, AIM Recycling has grown to become a sophisticated leader in metal recycling, operating in five continents. The company boasts 115 metal recycling sites globally, including numerous state-of-the-art Canadian operations throughout Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

Although AIM is relatively new to the Ontario market, growth has been explosive since breaking onto the scene. 2021 marked the first full year that AIM Hamilton operated its hefty 8,000 horsepower shredder—a state-of-the-art machine capable of processing 350 tonnes of mixed metal per hour.

“Since starting in Hamilton, we have been laser focused on customer service which has translated to exponential growth. We realize our customers have options with their material, so we strive to provide a customer experience that is second to none,” said Andrew Kummer, trading manager of ferrous metals for AIM Recycling. “Despite that exponential growth, we have also managed to increase our efficiency, which is a testament to our team’s expertise.”

By utilizing its mega shredder, AIM can quickly and efficiently process bulky and mixed material into dense and properly segregated fractions that are end-user ready. As per industry standards, fluids and other nonrecyclables are removed prior to processing to ensure the material is being handled in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. Recently, AIM installed an electric crane to feed its shredder—another move to reduce environmental impact wherever possible.

“We are one of the only true one stop shops,” said Kummer. “Whether it’s a member of the public looking to recycle their old appliance, a small business who wants to capitalize on the value of their metal by having one of our bins installed versus throwing it into their waste bin, or a large manufacturing plant who wants a turn-key solution, we are proud to say we can handle it all.”

AIM Recycling offers a diversified business model through various branches. Although its Hamilton operation is a large-scale volumecentric business, its many retail facilities cater to the public, offering customers a clean, professional, environmentally friendly alternative to its competitors.

The strongest suit of AIM Recycling, however, is its expertise. “Our team has an incredible amount of experience in metal recycling. Many of our employees, myself included, come from families who have been in the scrap business for multiple generations. Combining that tribal knowledge with cutting edge technology, strong business fundamentals and the drive to win is what allows us to keep growing for the better.”

Looking ahead to 2022, Kummer said AIM Recycling is ready to continue its path of growth and increased efficiency.

“We’re looking forward to building on the success we enjoyed in 2021,” said Kummer. “On a larger scale, we’re keenly focused on continuing our pattern of growth while streamlining our existing operations.”