American Iron & Metal celebrates nearly a century of growth, innovation, and community impact

Few industries reflect the past century of industrial change as clearly as metal recycling does — scrap provided an affordable source of raw materials during the Great Depression, postwar infrastructure projects reshaped cities, and the environmental movement of the 1970s shaped how materials were regarded and reused.

As these shifts unfolded, American Iron & Metal (AIM) grew alongside them. This year, the family-owned company marks its 90th anniversary, celebrating nearly a century of growth and innovation.

Through decades of shifting commodity markets, industrial expansion, and changing environmental priorities, AIM has steadily scaled into a network that handles public drop-off recycling, industrial scrap management, site cleanups, and more.

With global headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, AIM manages a vast flow of ferrous and non-ferrous materials supported by transportation fleets, processing facilities, and international trading networks that move recycled metals through global manufacturing supply chains. What began as a single yard now spans more than 135 locations worldwide and has grown into one of the largest metal recycling operations in North America. 

Equipment in full force

AIM's facilities across North America and beyond operate at an industrial scale, integrating advanced technology with large-volume processing. The yards handle materials using a wide range of equipment, including twelve auto shredders, multiple downstream systems, wire chopping lines, balers, briquetters, and shears. Advanced separation and analysis technologies — X-ray, induction, spectrometry, ballistic separators, wet media plants, colour sorting, and more — allow materials to be recovered efficiently and accurately.

Innovation and sustainability have always been at the core of AIM's operations. Today, AIM ensures that the most advanced machinery is utilized, rigorously maintained, and strategically replaced on shorter life cycles to guarantee continuous upgrades and optimal performance. Recent optimizations include RADCOMM RAID radiation detection systems — the first of their kind in North America — and custom-built electric mobile material handlers to eliminate diesel emissions and improve operations at stationery shears.

Supporting these processes is a vast logistics network — AIM operates more than 735 trucks, 2,500 railcars, and 1,000 trailers across 135 sites, moving materials by truck, rail, and cargo vessel to domestic and international markets. Supported by one of the largest private rail fleets in North America, it provides reach and flexibility across multiple markets.

A vision takes shape

American Iron & Metals' story began back in 1936, when founder Peter Black was fired from his father's business after announcing plans to get married. Peter's father thought the company was too small to support two families, prompting the 19-year-old to go his own way and start a small scrap business. Nearly nine decades later, that modest venture has grown into a company that supports more than 4,000 families.

AIM remains family-led to this day, with Peter's oldest son, Herbert Black, serving as president and CEO of AIM Global, while his youngest son, Ronald Black, is executive vice president. The next generations of the family are also involved in the business, with Herb's son, Ricky Black, leading AIM Global Solder Solutions and his grandson, Harrison Black, in business development.

"My brother and I started to work together 57 years ago," says Herb. "My late father got sick when my brother was 13 years old, and he passed away when my brother was 17 years old. I took care of him all my life, and because of the age difference — nine years between the two of us — I'm more like a father than a brother to him."

Despite difficult circumstances at home growing up, the two remained close. According to Herb, disagreements have been rare, and they seldomly fought, even as children. That dynamic has carried through their decades working together, with a mutual respect that has helped shape the company's culture. "We're blood united forever, always doing the best for each other," he says. "I think the fact that we both get along so well ... When people see that harmonious relationship at the top, it carries through the whole organization."

The people behind the process

From the scale of its equipment to the coordination needed to move material worldwide, AIM depends on both advanced technology and the people who operate it.

"Across every yard, port, office, and operation, there is a culture of learning and development that continues to shape the next generation of leaders in our industry," says Corey Cooper, director of marketing at AIM Recycling. "Knowledge is shared, experience is respected, and people are empowered to grow. That commitment to developing people is one of the greatest strengths of this organization."

For nearly a century, knowledge has been passed from one generation of employees to the next through mentorship, hands-on experience, and shared know-how. From identifying materials on-site to coordinating shipments across continents, the skill and dedication of employees ensure that the company grows stronger with each generation.

Beyond the yard

That same spirit extends into the communities where AIM operates, with employees making a tangible difference beyond the gates of the facility. Many serve on local charity boards, organize interactive programs, and lead park adoptions, facility tours, and community open houses.

In Hamilton, Ontario, alone, the company has committed $1 million over five years to CityKidz, funding the development of a new park and recreation space in one of Hamilton's underserved neighbourhoods. A lifetime scholarship fund of $1 million supports the Boys and Girls Club, providing access to education, skills development, and leadership opportunities. More than $300,000 has been donated to Helping Hands Street Mission, supporting a new facility for vulnerable populations.

"Beyond the work we do in recycling and sustainability, there is a genuine belief in supporting our neighbours, lifting up the communities where we live and work through generosity, partnership, and care," says Cooper. "It is a reminder that business success is most meaningful when it creates a positive impact for others."

AIM extends support to its employees and their families through the Tuition Scholarship Assistance Program, which provides post-secondary scholarships to children of employees. Since its creation, more than 150 students have benefited, opening doors to education and new opportunities.

The annual Take Your Kid to Work Day also offers young participants a hands-on look at recycling operations, sparking curiosity about sustainability, technology, and industrial careers. The program reaches beyond employees' children, welcoming youth from local organizations and providing mentorship, career opportunities, and encouragement to discover their potential.

Boots on the ground

With thousands of employees across the company, Herb makes a point of staying connected with staff in person. He aims to visit every operation twice a year, once in the summer to hold employee picnics before the holiday season and again toward the end of the year. During the holiday visits, he also distributes raises and bonuses, often bringing together hundreds of employees at a time to spend an evening celebrating with the team.

"I give away a lot of prizes and gifts over and above the normal bonuses," says Herb. "It gives me great pleasure to mingle with everyone who works day in and day out to personally thank them for all their effort, their energy, and what they put in to make this company so great."

Even amid operational demands and productivity pressures, AIM prioritizes investing in its people and cultivating a supportive workplace culture. Knowledge sharing and sustained community engagement ensure the company's impact resonates both inside and outside its facilities, fostering environmental responsibility, education, and opportunity for future generations.

"It was truly a team effort from the beginning," says Herb. "This is my 66th year, so I'm the longest employee, and I guess one could say I'm not just an owner, but the captain of the ship. I'm proud to be the captain. I really have to thank everybody who has worked at AIM, and the efforts and the energy they put into making this company what it is."

Charting the path forward

As American Iron & Metal moves into its next chapter, the company continues to focus on the people who carry forward decades of knowledge while navigating complex operations and bringing new ideas, energy, and perspective to the table.

"There is a genuine love here for the industry, for the business we are building together, and most importantly for the people who make it all possible," says Cooper. "The pride, respect, and sense of purpose that come from being part of this organization extend far beyond the workplace; they carry into my family and the people who matter most to me."

AIM's legacy isn't found in equipment or facilities alone. It lives in the people who run them and in the culture they've shaped, where expertise and innovation intersect. Looking ahead, that same passion and purpose will build on AIM's foundation while opening doors for the generations to come.

"This is a very emotional time in my life," says Herb. "I'm proud to say that my brother and I have built a tremendous company. We've taken this company from $600,000 in sales to $4.5 billion, and our father would be very proud of us. I don't think he ever imagined that we could achieve what we've achieved, for the simple reason that I myself don't believe what we've achieved — it's really beyond any dreams I could have had." 

A timeline of AIM's 90-year legacy

1936: The first American Iron & Metal facility opened on Notre Dame St East in Montreal, Quebec, marking the beginning of a legacy in metal recycling.

1863: AIM built one of the world's first heated recycling facilities, significantly enhancing employee comfort, productivity, and morale.

1973: AIM entered the solder business with the launch of AIM Global Solder Solutions, which is now recognized as a leading manufacturer of tin-lead and lead-free solder assembly materials.

1988: The company relocated its global headquarters to a new 100+ acre location on Henri-Bourassa East in Montreal, significantly expanding its operations.

1994: The creation of Delsan AIM combined AIM's recycling expertise with advanced decommissioning and demolition services.

2000: AIM commissioned its first shredder in Montreal, enhancing its competitive edge domestically and broadening its international client base.

2008: AIM acquired SNF Inc. and Pièces d'Autos Kenny Inc., integrating Quebec's two largest scrap metal recyclers into the AIM network, further strengthening its industry presence.

2014: A significant investment in high-tech equipment led to the launch of AIM Éco-Centre, offering innovative turnkey solutions for construction and demolition waste management.

2015: AIM entered the European market by opening operations in Belgium.

2018: AIM expanded its U.S. footprint by acquiring Ecology Recycling Services, LLC in California.

2019: The opening of the AIM Minesource division provided specialized expertise in custom industrial and mining solutions.

2021: Honeycomb Catalytics was introduced, advancing the recycling of catalytic converters and precious metals recovery. AIM expanded operations in the U.S. through its acquisition of Liberty in Phoenix, Arizona.

2023: Through a joint venture in Kalischatarra, AIM expanded its operations into Mexico and became full owners of Ecology.

2024: Operations began in Germany, extending AIM's global reach. AIM introduced the Tuition Scholarship Assistance Program (TSAP) in Canada and the U.S.

2025: Hamilton operations won the Community Builder Award based on charitable and community contributions. The company's Colton, California, operations won the Business of the Year award for its dedication to staff, efficiency, and employee development.

2026: American Iron & Metal celebrates 90 years of trust, innovation, and sustainability.

American Iron & Metal's diverse portfolio 

With operations spanning multiple regions and material streams, American Iron & Metal has built a diverse portfolio of divisions that support every stage of the recycling process. The company's key businesses include:

AIM Recycling: A global leader in the recovery and recycling of scrap metal.

AIM Kenny U-Pull: A leader in the self-service, used car parts market with an inventory of over 25,000 cars and more than 27 locations across Canada.

AIM Delsan: Provides turnkey demolition, decontamination, and asset recovery solutions.

Honeycomb: Specializes in catalytic converter purchasing, processing, and recycling to meet the growing global demand for precious metal recovery.

AIM Eco-Centre: A specialist in the recycling of C&D waste, from container rental to material recycling and reselling.

AIM Minesource: Distributes all the products necessary for the operation of underground mines, collaborating with suppliers across Canada.

BlackPearls: A hub in the global mining sector that designs, manufactures, and supplies high-performance grinding media.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of Recycling Product News.