Page 72 from: May 2013
72 May 2013
It is obvious that the current economic cli-mate continues to weigh down consumer,
processor, and broker sentiment. It’s not that
business is outright awful, but for the major-
ity of the delegates in Orlando, it’s only plod-
ding along and thus seemed devoid of enthu-
siasm.
When asked about the current recycling mar-
ket, delegates described it basically as ‘not good,
not bad’. One US manufacturer elaborated: ‘We
are still selling machines, but as long as the
financial and economic crisis is unresolved,
sales will be at a low level. Our customers are
very cautious about making new investments.’
Many traders present in Orlando pointed to
another problem in the international markets:
the shortage of scrap. ‘We just don’t know
where we can get enough scrap to satisfy our
I S R I C O N V E N T I O N By Manfred Beck
customers’ needs,’ one German trader com-
plained. ‘It is currently very hard to source
enough material.’
The least optimistic comments, came from
the iron side that is currently dominated by
weakening prices for scrap and finished steel,
shorter lead times, and a diminished scrap flow
that is somewhat uncharacteristic for this time
of the year.
What does concern many – or perhaps most – in
the recycling industry as well as on Wall Street,
is what happens in China. News that China’s
first quarter GDP growth disappointed, cou-
pled with lingering problems in Cyprus and
economic uncertainty in the USA, prompted a
wave of equity selling in the USA. Adding to
this uncertainty is the fact that the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund revised its 2013 global
In early April, the international recycling industry gathered in the US
city of Orlando for the annual Convention and Expo of the Institute
of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). The event was attended by more
than 5200 people, making it ISRI’s largest-ever convention outside of
Las Vegas. Recycling International was also present and, in a series of
articles, brings you comprehensive feedback from this huge event,
including a round-up from the exhibition floor and from meetings
dedicated to ferrous scrap, nickel/stainless steel, aluminium, copper,
recovered paper, plastics and electronics.
Recyclers meet in the Fun Capital of the WorldLifetime Achievement Award for
Arnold Gachman
In Orlando, ISRI presented Arnold Gene Gach-
man, president of Gachman Metals and Recy-
cling Company of Fort Worth, Texas, with its
Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication
and leadership in the fi eld, as well as for his
commitment to the institute itself.
In 1969, at the age of 27, Gachman became
general manager of the family business, then
called Gachman Metals, and fi ve years later he
was appointed the company’s president. He took
on leadership roles with ISRI’s predecessors – the
Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel and the Nation-
al Association of Recycling Industries – and also
served as ISRI’s third president.
‘I was fortunate enough to have the infl uence of
many people that helped guide me and make
me a better person and professional,’ he said.
‘That is one of the many benefi ts of ISRI. It is the
relationships that are formed, from large opera-
tions with great business practices to those that
are just starting out and learning the industry;
and from those of us who have spent decades
learning to those just starting out.’
He continued: ‘It is up to those who are more
experienced to mentor and build future leaders,
and to encourage all levels of involvement, from
serving as national offi cers to outreach in local
communities. The work of
today’s young leaders and
those to come will be the most
critical in moving ISRI forward,
and increasing its visibility and
effectiveness in handling the
issues it will face.’
ISRI chair Jerry Simms (left) presents
Arnold Gachman with the Lifetime
Achievement Award.
From left to Right: Alexander Torneberg of electronics recycler Torec
in France, and Shannon Brenner and David Loewenthal of Univer-
sal Recycling in South Africa.
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