Siegfried Jacob Metallwerke
The Art of Non-Ferrous Metal Reprocessing

In metallurgy circles, recycling ferrous metals is almost second nature—sort, shred, smelt, repeat. It’s a process defined by volume and predictability.

But non-ferrous metals? That is a different equation.

High-temperature superalloys, shaped by modern demands like hardness, temperature resistance and advanced manufacturing, are continually adapting. Their chemistry evolves and tolerances shrink. Even a trace of impurity can jeopardise integrity. Recycling becomes less routine and more a high-stakes art.

This is where mastery matters. Siegfried Jacob Metallwerke (SJM) has perfected this art of non-ferrous metal reprocessing to help companies transform their industrial residues into high-value materials, using precision-engineered processes.

Exclusively focused on non-ferrous recycling, SJM recovers valuable metals from copper and brass dross, filter dusts, catalysts and sludges. Its advanced methods combine pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical and mechanical expertise to both reduce the strain on finite natural resources and elevate global recycling standards—turning environmental responsibility into a repeatable, measurable advantage. Moreover, mostly all other non-ferrous metals and their alloys are traded and treated in their state-of-the-art facilities, from A like Aluminium to Z like Zirconium.

In a world chasing circularity, SJM’s value addition is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, high-integrity metal recovery.

Where Others See Scrap, SJM Sees Potential

“For us, there’s no such thing as waste. Whether end-of-life remnants or consumer scrap, every piece of raw material can be recycled, revived and reintroduced into the market,” says Henning Reuter, managing director.

With more than 70 years of experience and a mindset shaped by sustainability, SJM restores market value for all recovered metals. Clients turn to SJM not simply to reduce waste but to unlock reliable, compliant and cost-efficient alternatives to primary metals.

This precision begins long before processing starts. Each material stream undergoes rigorous spectrometric analysis to classify and unlock its full potential. A granular identification ensures every alloy, from resilient superalloys to complex titanium blends, is aligned to customised recovery. This strategy results in a higher yield, fewer processing losses and guaranteed traceability.

Identified materials then enter a mechanically optimised environment. Here, advanced shredders and separators deconstruct complexity to maximise surface exposure, reduce thermal load downstream and preserve structural integrity. That’s how SJM maintains efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Next is chemical refinement. Eco-engineered processes remove trace contaminants, restoring the metal’s original performance characteristics. Digital controls and real-time analytics monitor every variable—temperature, purity and throughput—to ensure compliance, reduce energy use and keep emissions in check.

The meticulousness of the approach is validated by the ISO certifications for quality (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001) and energy management (ISO 50001).

The payoff?

Dependable access to premium-grade outputs—custom-formulated ingots, precision granules and high-purity concentrates—that perform like virgin metals with a smart cost curve and none of the environmental baggage of primary sourcing.

Recycled aluminium cuts up to 11 tonnes of CO₂ with a 95 percent energy reduction, while copper and zinc reduce 7.5 and 3.5 tons, achieving nearly 90 percent energy reduction.

“Renewable energy plays a vital role in SJM’s sustainability mission,” notes Dirk Wittmann, managing director. “Powered by one of Germany’s largest rooftop photovoltaic systems, spread across 42 factory roofs and equipped with 22,770 solar panels, our installation in Ennepetal generates a remarkable 8.2 million kWh of clean energy annually.”

This green powerhouse cuts approximately 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, significantly shrinking SJM’s environmental footprint. An integrated strategy ensures that 35 percent of the energy fuels on-site operations and the remaining 65 percent is fed directly into the public grid.

Closed-Loop Mastery

A notable factor is that SJM operates in a true closed-loop ecosystem, where customers are also its suppliers.

Industrial producers who create metal products also generate scrap and residues, which SJM then collects and processes. In a cyclical flow, these recycled materials are supplied back to the same industries or used in new production cycles, reducing the need for virgin resources and keeping the metal in constant circulation.

Achieving such a self-sustaining system requires deep knowledge and expertise in the field. SJM, along with six specialist companies—some of which have over 400 years of metal expertise—formed the powerful Jacob Metal Group, a leading European network of metal recycling and trading companies. With impressive operational capacity, employing nearly 1,000 people across Europe, the group supplies its products to over 100 countries worldwide, ensuring the broad international market is covered.

Over the past decade, the group has bolstered its processing capabilities not only at its flagship Ennepetal site but through strategic acquisitions in the UK and France, and is now poised to expand into the U.S.

Yet, even with decades of success behind it, the Jacob Metal Group network doesn’t rest on its past achievements. It remains relentlessly forward-thinking, always exploring new frontiers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in recycling.

Every day, SJM is laser-focused on solving the challenges its customers face—whether navigating complex permit and notification requirements or managing the practicalities of transportation and collection. More than a service provider, SJM is a true business partner, working hand in hand with clients to establish efficient processes and provide logistical and financial support.

By forging long-term partnerships and adapting to the changing landscape of material science, the group envisions a recycling industry that transcends traditional limits and makes a valuable contribution to society.

Where Talent Thrives and Legacies Grow

Rooted in a tradition of long-term collaboration, SJM has built an environment where teams thrive.

From structured dual training programs for young professionals to personalised career development opportunities for skilled workers and managers, growth is cultivated at every level. Each year, SJM welcomes three to eight apprentices, many of whom build long-lasting careers within the organisation. Reinforcing its commitment to continuous improvement, it established the Jacob Metal Academy, a dedicated platform for high-potential employees and managers to embody the concept of ‘lifelong learning.’

It also welcomes career changers, accenting that talent and motivation matter more than background. With a diverse workforce spanning 19 nationalities, SJM happily fosters an inclusive, opportunity-driven culture.

“Work is more than a routine for us. It’s an opportunity to think, act and grow together. This philosophy has made us crisis-proof, ensuring stability even in economic downturns or global disruptions,” elaborates Reuter.

SJM understands that being an employer goes beyond career-building—it’s a responsibility. As a major presence in Ennepetal, it knows that it impacts society, in addition to the environment. Employee well-being is a top priority, with strong commitments to health, safety and diversity.
Its dedication to corporate responsibility extends across industry, research and policy. It actively collaborates with national and international associations, contributing its expertise to working committees and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Through research partnerships with universities and organisations, it drives innovation to the next level.

Finite Resources, Infinite Ideas

From humble beginnings to a powerhouse of the metal recycling industry, SJM has had a remarkable journey. Its commitment to “measuring passion in tonnes” is more than just a catchphrase— it’s reflected in the 130,000 tonnes of materials recycled annually, the 300 skilled employees on its roster and the 300,000 square metres of space dedicated to recycling operations.

This drive for excellence is underpinned by a steadfast dedication to 100 percent sustainable practices and a stringent quality policy described as 'Minimum Requirement: Maximum Quality.’

SJM transcends the role of a steward of raw materials, forging a visionary path where resource conservation and industrial excellence unite to secure a thriving legacy for generations ahead.

Beyond the numbers and certifications lies a forward-thinking vision. A future where strategic partnerships and advanced processes pave the way for a climate-neutral circular economy to thrive while building a greener world.

Because resources may be finite, but ideas are not.