Lewis Salvage Acquisition of Rochester Iron & Metal Marks Major Scrap Metal Industry Shift

Strategic Expansion: Lewis Salvage Acquires Rochester Iron & Metal

Lewis Salvage has announced the acquisition of Rochester Iron & Metal, a leading regional competitor in northern Indiana. The move significantly boosts Lewis Salvage’s processing capabilities and expands its presence across residential, commercial, and industrial recycling markets. CEO Cary Lewis called the deal the “largest expansion I could’ve ever dreamed of,” positioning the company to process millions more pounds of scrap each month.

The newly acquired facility—now branded as Lewis Salvage Shred Services—features a high-capacity auto shredder capable of processing 45 to 60 cars per hour. This includes a Wendt Corp. 6090 shredder, first installed in 2012, that enables cleaner, more efficient steel recycling. This shredder technology marks a major leap for Lewis Salvage, enhancing both environmental performance and product quality for domestic steel mills.

This acquisition also comes with expanded logistical capabilities. With a fleet now growing from 300 to over 700 roll-off units, Lewis Salvage can scale its operations across Indiana. The Rochester facility will remain open to the public while continuing industrial collection, reinforcing the company’s commitment to both local and commercial sectors.

Technology & Sustainability at the Core of the Expansion

At the center of this expansion is sustainability. The Rochester site’s downstream sorting plant recovers valuable nonferrous metals—like copper, aluminum, and stainless steel—from automotive shredder residue. Instead of dumping this material into landfills, the facility ensures clean recovery of high-value materials that otherwise go to waste.

Cary Lewis emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of this approach. “We can do this with fewer emissions and better recovery,” he stated. This technological edge supports Lewis Salvage’s vertical integration strategy, combining the firm’s recycling expertise with modern equipment to optimize every stage of the materials recovery process.

The acquisition also preserves the Rochester Iron & Metal workforce of roughly 90 employees, ensuring operational continuity while enhancing services. With expanded reach, faster processing, and deeper material recovery, Lewis Salvage now emerges as a formidable regional force in scrap metal and automotive recycling.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Lewis Salvage’s acquisition of Rochester Iron & Metal is more than just a business deal—it’s a signal. This expansion reflects a broader trend in the scrap and recycling sector: consolidation and vertical integration to maximize efficiency and environmental returns. By investing in technology like auto shredders and downstream sorters, recyclers can meet both economic and ESG goals. This move strengthens Lewis Salvage’s foothold in a competitive Midwest market while setting a high bar for sustainability-driven scrap operations.