EverMetal Launches U.S. Critical Metals Recycling Platform with Acquisition of CAI Custom Alloys

A new private equity-backed venture, EverMetal Holdings LP, has entered the U.S. market with what it describes as the first dedicated platform for recycling critical metals. The initiative, supported by majority investor GEF Capital Partners, seeks to reduce reliance on mined materials by creating a secure US domestic supply chain for strategic metals.

According to the company’s announcement, EverMetal’s first step was the acquisition of CAI Custom Alloys LLC, a specialized processor of superalloys based in Belvidere, Illinois. Founded in 2009, CAI has built a strong reputation in processing nickel, cobalt, and specialty scrap metals. With its vacuum-melt certification from major aerospace customers, CAI is one of only a few U.S. processors qualified to supply high-performance components for aerospace, defense, and energy markets.

“CAI’s products play a quiet but vital role in U.S. national security,” said Hugo Schumann, Founder and CEO of EverMetal. “From jet engines to turbine blades, these recycled metals power mission-critical technologies. Our acquisition of CAI reflects our mission to secure and scale domestic recycling of these materials and reduce dependence on expensive, foreign-controlled sources of strategic materials.”

Echoing that vision, Jeff Rubino, President of CAI, said, “This is a landmark moment for CAI. EverMetal brings not just capital, but a powerful network across the metals recycling landscape, and a clear strategic vision.”

Based on EverMetal’s press release, the company intends to expand CAI’s capacity, adopt new processing technologies, and deepen ties with defense and aerospace customers. EverMetal also indicated plans to pursue additional acquisitions to create an integrated recycling platform across North America and Europe.

EverMetal notes that the superalloy market is strategically important yet geographically constrained. Many of these metals are mined in Africa and Asia but consumed predominantly in industrialized economies. By enabling U.S.-based recycling, EverMetal’s platform offers manufacturers a pathway to lower procurement costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve supply chain resilience—an issue increasingly prioritized by policymakers and industry leaders.

The move comes as governments and companies worldwide intensify efforts to secure critical raw materials needed for advanced technologies, clean energy, and defense. With U.S. policymakers pushing for domestic sourcing and recycling initiatives, platforms like EverMetal may become key players in reshaping how strategic metals are supplied to high-tech industries.

Source: EverMetal