Recycling Lives acquires Glasgow-based recycler

Preston-based Recycling Lives has acquired John R Adam and Sons Ltd of Glasgow for an undisclosed sum.

The company is located at King George V Dock and recycles and exports ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It is capable of processing 600 metric tonnes of steel a day and can load vessels with up to 4,000 tonnes of recycled metal at its deep-water berth.

The acquisition sees Recycling Lives’ recycling business hit over £300m turnover and takes its employee count to over 550 across 23 sites in the UK.

The existing management team under managing director Jake Adam will continue to run the operation but as part of the Recycling Lives Group. Substantial investment is already being planned which will see new plant and equipment installed at the site to increase capacity and create additional jobs. 

Andrew Hodgson, executive chairman of Recycling Lives, said: "John R Adam and Sons Ltd is a fantastic family business that has a proud heritage stretching back over 130 years and is the perfect strategic fit for us as we look to complement our network of facilities and increase our capacity and capabilities.

"This acquisition fits into our longer-term plans of being a world-leading circular economy business. This includes increasing high-grade quality recycled feedstock to produce more green steel through our world-class processes, which dovetails with Scottish Government policy.

“Our business is built on delivering environmental innovation and social value, while providing opportunities to increase skills and careers, and contributing to social development. We look forward to working with the Scottish prison system to help rehabilitate ex-offenders and make a positive difference to the community.”

Three Hills Capital Partners, as a shareholder in Recycling Lives, provided additional support throughout the acquisition process.