ABOUT Newport Recycling
Newport Recycling's remarkable journey traces back to its humble beginnings amidst the challenging landscape of mangroves, devoid of power, water, or infrastructure. The early days were marked by a wobbly crane with no brakes, an overheating pick-up truck, and the relentless assault of sandflies resistant to any repellent.
In the year 2000, Chris Newport joined the business, and together with his father Ken, they steered the company through incremental growth. The meticulous separation of scrap metal into light and heavy categories marked the beginning of a transformative era. Overcoming challenges, a second trailer was acquired, and by 2005, a small shed in Muir Street, Cairns became a pivotal operational hub.
The introduction of Non Ferrous into the business plan in tandem with a medium rigid body truck in 2005 expanded their horizons, with trips to Townsville to sell the non ferrous becoming a regular endeavor. As the operation evolved, additional prime movers, an overhead gantry with a magnet, and an 80 cubic meter high side tipper trailer (affectionately known as "Big Red") were integrated.
In 2010, the business's relentless pursuit of efficiency led to the design of a prototype smaller tipper trailer ("Little Red") and the acquisition of another prime mover. By the end of the same year, Newport Recycling consolidated its operations in Marsh Street, Woree, creating a comprehensive facility that brought together both steel and non ferrous arms under one roof.
The business's commitment to innovation and expansion continued into 2011 with the addition of a weighbridge and the groundbreaking decision to purchase a container tilter, heralding the commencement of exporting scrap steel in shipping containers. The subsequent years saw major technological advancements, including the acquisition of a 550-ton shear baler and a Non Ferrous Metals press.
The period from 2012 to 2017 marked significant structural and technical transformations, with the addition of a new non ferrous press and the introduction of a variety of skips, bins, and a hydraulic grapple. The business continued to flourish, expanding its reach to countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, India, Korea, and Indonesia.
Fast forward to 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Newport Recycling welcomed a state-of-the-art long reach material handler from Germany, boasting an impressive 19m reach and a high-rise cab. The anticipation and potential of this acquisition set the stage for an exciting future.
As we step into 2021-2023, Newport Recycling proudly unveils a brand-new twin-steer hooklift truck, a testament to its commitment to cutting-edge machinery. The business has also expanded its clientele, adding numerous large local Cairns businesses to its list, solidifying its position as one of the largest independently owned scrap metal operations in Queensland.
Looking ahead, the horizon is marked by anticipation as Newport Recycling eagerly awaits the arrival of a Lefort 1000-ton shear, a powerful addition set to redefine the cutting force landscape in early 2024. Join Newport Recycling on this extraordinary journey, where innovation, growth, and a commitment to excellence continue to shape the narrative of this family-owned enterprise.