S. Norton has announced significant developments at its recently acquired Glasgow site, marking a major step forward in both operational capacity and environmental sustainability for Scotland’s scrap metal recycling industry.

S. Norton has long been at the forefront of the metals recycling sector, and the company’s recent substantial investment in its King George V Dock facility in Govan, Glasgow, is poised to set new standards for efficiency and environmental responsibility. The site, purchased from another metals recycler at the end of December 2023, represents more than just a change in ownership; it embodies a bold vision for a more sustainable, high-capacity and technologically advanced metals recycling hub.

Jim Walker, Commercial Manager at the Glasgow site comments: “This investment is a demonstration of S. Norton’s commitment to the region and to the future of sustainable recycling. The improvements we’ve made are not only about increasing what we can process, but also about transforming our environmental impact and supporting Scotland’s role in the global circular economy.”

Significant investment in infrastructure

S. Norton has invested in both the infrastructure and equipment essential for large-scale, efficient and sustainable operations. Foremost among these is the extensive berth dredging undertaken at the dock to facilitate substantially larger vessels than previously possible.

Stevie Lambie, Site Manager says: “This dredging operation has enabled the site to turn from servicing only the short sea market – to welcoming deep-sea vessels capable of reaching destinations anywhere in the world. The ability to load deep sea vessels is a game-changer for the facility and the regional economy, substantially expanding the scope and reach of our operations.”

Complementing the dredging project is the purchase of a state-of-the-art £2 million Sennebogen crane, one of the largest of its type in Scotland. This powerful machine can handle 6 to 7 tonnes in a single grab, ensuring that loading operations are safe, swift and efficient. The new crane not only enhances productivity but also supports the company’s vision for sustainable logistics and streamlined operations.

Boosting capacity and efficiency

Investment in the Glasgow site is not only about infrastructure, but also about significantly boosting annual processing capacity. Historically, the site has exported approximately 150,000 tonnes of metal per year from Glasgow, and the aim is now to grow this significantly as operations expand.  

All materials arrive at the yard by road, where they are fully processed on site through methods such as shredding, shearing, gas cutting and baling. This streamlined process ensures that only furnace-ready, specification-grade metal products are shipped out, delivering consistent quality to steelmakers around the globe and strengthening the UK’s position in the international recycling supply chain.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of S. Norton’s expansion in Glasgow is the transformation in sustainability practices. Previously, scrap metal processed at the site would often require extensive road transport, contributing to congestion and increased carbon emissions. The new operational model, enabled by berth dredging and equipment upgrades, allows metals to be loaded directly onto deep-sea vessels – bypassing the need for road haulage entirely.

By shipping deep sea quantities of processed metal in a single bulk shipment, S. Norton drastically reduces its carbon footprint compared to traditional logistics. For context, transporting the same volume by road would require thousands of truckloads, underscoring the environmental advantages of direct maritime shipping. In addition, all sorting, separation and processing takes place on-site before export, meaning S. Norton can offer a complete one-stop solution for clients – reducing handling, improving traceability and minimising environmental impact.

Jim Walker explains: “The shift from short-sea to deep-sea shipping is a leap forward for our sustainability credentials. Not only is it more economical and efficient, but it’s also a much better outcome for the planet. Our investment means less traffic on the roads, lower emissions and a truly circular recycling process where material goes directly from yard to furnace anywhere in the world.”

Supplying the global Circular Economy

S. Norton’s Glasgow operations process a wide variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals -everything from copper, brass, aluminium and lead – to heavy structural scrap from demolition projects. The facility accepts metals from a diverse range of sources: individuals bringing in scrap, small construction contractors and large-scale demolition operators alike. All received metal is processed to internationally recognised specifications, creating furnace-ready feedstock that can be melted down into new steel – eliminating the need for primary raw materials such as iron ore, and driving savings in both energy and resource use.

The Glasgow site employs approximately 40 employees, many of whom have longstanding ties to the facility and the local community. The new investment in technology and infrastructure is designed not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to provide secure and sustainable employment in the region. S. Norton is committed to ongoing staff training and development, ensuring that the benefits of the company’s success are shared locally.

While the site has operated for over 30 years, the latest round of investments marks a new chapter in its history. The ability to access deep-sea markets, combined with cutting-edge loading technology, positions S. Norton at the forefront of sustainable recycling in Scotland and the UK.

As Jim Walker notes: “The infrastructure we’ve put in place gives us options, economies of scale and a real edge in the market. Not every recycler can offer processing and deep-sea shipping from a single site. Our investment puts us ahead of the curve and opens a new world of possibilities.”