ABOUT US

About SA Metal

SA Metal Group is South Africa’s oldest and largest metal recycling company.

For the last century, the Group has purchased, collected, processed and recycled all forms of ferrous metals (iron and steel) and non-ferrous metals (aluminium, copper, zinc, stainless steel, lead, nickel, brass, tin, bronze and others).

From our conveniently-located scrap yards in and around Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria, we purchase scrap metals from a range of Southern African sources including industrial enterprises, public entities, scrap metal dealers and private individuals. In addition, the Group acquires scrap metal from off-site demolition projects, where it is able to provide expert demolition services to mines and factories. It is fully equipped to deal with all environmental hazards including radioactive material and asbestos.

We are fully committed to preserving the fragile environment in which we live and to dealing with all materials in an environmentally responsible manner. We pride ourselves on our impeccable health and safety record throughout the Group.

SA Metal is a proudly South African company and has a long tradition of trading in most Southern African countries including Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

WHO WE ARE

Mission Statement

SA Metal Group strives to provide the best markets to our suppliers of scrap metals, to supply quality-controlled processed scrap metals, the highest quality steel and non-ferrous products manufactured from recycled scrap metals, the safest and most innovative demolition services and the most efficient waste removal solutions.

In all our dealings we strive for the highest standards of service, integrity, cost-effectiveness and concern for the environment in order to build lifelong relationships with our suppliers and our customers.

OUR HISTORY

Timeline

1890
1890

Wolfe Barnett’s father collects scrap metal with a pushbarrow around London in the 1890s. In 1900, he emigrates with his family to South Africa.

1919
1919

The SA Metal and Machinery Company is founded by Wolfe Barnett (1886-1946) in Woodstock, Cape Town. At first, SA Metal’s main business is buying up used machinery and breaking it up for spares. Scrap metal is a secondary line of business and is shipped to the UK packed in 44-gallon drums on the decks of steam ships. The company becomes known colloquially as “SA Metal”.

1946
1946

After World War II, as spare parts became more readily available elsewhere, the machinery business dries up and scrap metal becomes SA Metal’s main focus. The reins of the company are taken over by the second generation.

1947
1947

SA Metal introduces modern scrap handling equipment, including a Hyster “Karry Krane”, to its yard in Woodstock.

1960
1960

Ever expanding, SA Metal installs the first hydraulic baling press for scrap metal in South Africa, imported from Lindemann in Germany. It operates on a water-based hydraulic fluid. Soon after, the company imports the first hydraulic scrap-handling machine with a grab in South Africa, a UK built “Hymac”.

View our full timeline