A local family business with nearly 100 years of global expertise and cutting-edge technology, committed to building a true partnership with you in metal recycling.
In 1927, Fred Hayes started the bottle and sack merchant business that would become Hayes Metals, Australasia’s largest metal ingot producer and leading scrap metal recycler. After almost a hundred years, the company is still owned by descendants of the Hayes family, with four successive generations involved in the business. We are New Zealand's oldest Metal Recycling company.
Fred Hayes founded his recycling business in Newmarket, Auckland, initially concentrating on the collection and reuse of glass bottles and packing materials. This laid the foundation for a strong recycling culture within the company.
Over time, the business expanded into the metals industry, which remains its primary focus today.
In 2005, Hayes Metals Pty Ltd took a significant step in its growth by establishing the Australian Division in New South Wales. This expansion marked a pivotal moment for the company, allowing it to extend its reach and operations into the Australian market. The new division aimed to enhance the company's capabilities in metal recycling and trading, providing innovative solutions and services to meet the demands of the region. This strategic move not only broadened Hayes Metals' geographical footprint but also strengthened its position as a key player in the industry.
After more than 80 years in Newmarket, Hayes Metals relocated its production to a larger five-acre facility in Onehunga, Auckland. This move was driven by the need for expanded space to accommodate growing operations and enhance production capabilities. The new facility represented a significant upgrade, allowing Hayes Metals to better serve its customers and continue its legacy of excellence in the metal industry.
The old metal refinery on Teed Street, Newmarket, was converted into a high-end retail precinct called 'The Foundry', with 14 new stores that would add another layer of boutique retail to the area. The precinct still retains the foundry’s gritty heritage and boasts local and international brands.
Hayes Metals Pty Ltd expanded its operations with the acquisition of Dinga Enterprises in New South Wales. This strategic acquisition enabled Hayes Metals to enhance its service offerings and strengthen its presence in the region, further solidifying its position as a leader in the metal recycling and trading industry.
In 2016, Hayes Metals acquired the assets of Sims Metal Management's foundry division. This acquisition allowed Hayes Metals to further expand its capabilities and enhance its service offerings at its Auckland site.
In 2018, Hayes Metals established an office in Thailand. This expansion into Southeast Asia marked a significant milestone, enabling the company to better serve its international clients and tap into new markets within the region.
In 2023, Hayes Metals Pty Ltd established an office in Dandenong (VIC). This expansion further strengthened the company's presence in the Australian market and improved the ability to serve its customers in Victoria and enhance its operational capabilities in the region.
In 2024, Hayes Metals Pty Ltd acquired Northern Smelters in Queensland. This acquisition further expanded the company's capabilities and product range, reinforcing its commitment to growth and excellence in the metal recycling industry.
After almost 100 years in business, Hayes Metals continues to expand with the establishment of Hayes Recycling in Western Australia, a specialist and innovative oil and gas infrastructure recycling plant. This new facility underscores the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge and innovative recycling solutions and expanding its expertise in the industry.
World Class Ingot Manufacturer and Metal Recycler, globally recognised for innovation, with operations in New Zealand and Australia
+64 9 633 4000
