Alpha Scrap Metal Inc. transforms operations with an Atlas material handler and an updated facility
Alpha Scrap Metal Inc. has carved out a prominent place in Florida’s recycling industry by combining innovation with a commitment to environmental sustainability. Founded over a decade ago, the company experienced a transformative shift when Alicia and Jay Noble took ownership in July 2023.
“We saw a lot of potential in this business,” Alicia said. “The foundation was strong, but we knew with a little reorganization and effort, we could take it to the next level. It was a great initiative to jump in with my husband and do another adventure as partners.”
Alicia brought years of experience as an operations consultant to the table, while Jay contributed his hands-on expertise in metal recycling. Together, the couple reshaped the facility to maximize efficiency, ensure the highest quality output and create a seamless process for customers.
“The first thing we did was clean and reorganize,” Alicia explained. “The feedback was immediate — customers loved the improvements, and employees felt a renewed sense of pride in their workplace. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how our customers and employees have responded.”
Located in Tampa, Alpha Scrap Metal accepts a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including steel, copper and aluminum. The facility processes 80,000 to 100,000 pounds of metal each day.
“We take in material, sort it, categorize it into its proper commodity, and prepare it for shipment for the next step in the recycling process,” described Jay.
Alpha Scrap Metal’s focus on efficiency extends to its customer experience. From competitive pricing to quick turnaround times, the company has built a loyal client base that values its professionalism and organization.
“Our facility is clean, our process is streamlined, and our team is dedicated to customer care,” Alicia stated. “That’s why people keep coming back. Even when we’re closed, they’ll hold their materials and come back when we’re open.”
While Alpha Scrap Metal thrives in a male-dominated industry, Alicia has brought a fresh viewpoint, championing diversity and inclusion within the workforce. Today, the 14-person team includes five women in roles that had traditionally been held by men.
“I think this industry benefits from having more women involved,” Alicia reflected. “We bring different perspectives that complement the work being done and open up new ways of thinking.”
Improving material handling operations
Key to Alpha Scrap Metal’s success is an Atlas 350MH material handler, which has revolutionized day-to-day operations. Purchased to replace aging and unreliable equipment, the machine has become an essential part of the company’s workflow.
“The Atlas 350MH is amazing,” Alicia declared. “It’s efficient and has nearly doubled our productivity. Our operator is thrilled, and we save time and money — together it makes a great combination.”
The Atlas 350MH can handle various tasks, from loading trucks to compacting materials for shipment. With advanced hydraulic systems and intuitive controls, the machine allows operators to maneuver heavy materials with accuracy and speed. This level of control helps improve safety. The Atlas 350MH’s efficiency allows the company to process larger volumes in less time, reducing labor costs and streamlining operations.
“There’s not a single day that we don’t use it,” noted Jay. “It helps us maintain about 75% to 80% of our operation because it’s a fantastic and reliable machine. It can handle 30,000 to 40,000 pounds at a time when we load a truck. It really speeds things up, and we’re super happy with it.”
Understanding business needs
Choosing the Atlas material handler wasn’t just about the machine’s capabilities — it was also about the partnership with Linder Industrial Machinery Company. Linder’s personalized approach played a crucial role in Alpha Scrap Metal’s decision-making process.
“I didn’t feel like I was just a dollar sign that they wanted to sell something,” recalled Alicia. “They really wanted to get down to what exactly I needed and why, and how they could be instrumental there. They wanted to know my business, where we were, and where we were going.”
Joel Latorre, a sales representative for Linder, was instrumental in building trust with the Nobles. His deep understanding of their operational needs and commitment to finding the right solution helped set Linder apart from other distributors.
“Meeting Joel was a great experience,” said Jay. “He’s a great guy who is very easy to talk to and very respectful of our time and our needs.”
Linder’s support didn’t end with the sale. The team has been a consistent partner, providing maintenance and ensuring the Atlas 350MH operates at peak performance.
“Linder’s technicians are very knowledgeable about this particular machine,” Jay commented. “They’ve made the maintenance process seamless.”
This strong relationship with Linder has set the stage for future collaborations.
“We will buy our next equipment from Linder for sure,” stated Alicia.
Continued growth
Looking ahead, the Nobles aim to expand their commercial and industrial customer base while increasing the volume of materials processed. They view these goals as essential to their mission of environmental sustainability.
“We want to continue doing good work and reuse as much material as we can,” said Jay. “The more materials we bring in, the more we can be a part of the recycling process, which is a big part of keeping everything running smoothly on our planet.”
Alicia added, “We all need to do better to save our planet and recycle. It’s a beautiful thing to do.”
With a clear vision for the future and a commitment to efficient customer care, Alpha Scrap Metal is poised to remain a strong foothold in Tampa’s recycling community. For the Nobles, the business is about more than just profits — it’s about making a difference.
*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.
Customer snapshot
- Company: Alpha Scrap Metal Inc.
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Employees: 14
- Established: Over a decade ago, ownership transitioned in July 2023
- Area of expertise: Recycling and processing ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Atlas equipment: 350MH material handler
By the numbers
- 80,000 to 100,000 pounds of metal are processed daily Alpha Scrap Metal has nearly doubled productivity since acquiring an Atlas 350MH material handler
- 75% to 80% of Alpha Scrap Metal’s operation is maintained with an Atlas 350MH material handler
- 30,000 to 40,000 pounds can be handled at a time when loading a truck with an Atlas 350MH material handler