Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions of San Antonio has roots that trace back more than 100 years—and a recognition of efficient metal recycling, trading and processing techniques that traces back just as far.
The fourth-generation family business, formerly known as Monterrey Iron & Metal, operates an auto shredding plant, a stationary shear-baler and other equipment at its sizable campus in San Antonio.
For the past several years, a growing fleet of hydraulic scrap handlers provided by Stanley, North Carolina-based SENNEBOGEN LLC has helped keep those processing systems running smoothly and consistently.
After trying SENNEBOGEN, no turning back
Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions CEO Jordan Vexler says throughout its lenghty history, the company has owned scrap handling equipment from several manufacturers.
However, sticking with a preferred supplier has become the norm.
“Since my first purchase of a SENNEBOGEN, I have not gone back,” Vexler says. “I have bought three SENNEBOGENs in a row and the other brands of material handlers have either been sold off of our facility or are just waiting for replacement.”
The company now operates two SENNEBOGEN 830 handlers and one 835 handler, with two machines feeding its Riverside Engineering shredding plant and the other introducing material into a stationary shear/baler.
Those popular SENNEBOGEN models have been designed to offer versatility, reliability and operator comfort and ease of maintenance—all features that Vexler and Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions equipment operator José Ricarte say are in evidence on a daily basis.
When the company selected its first SENNEBOGEN machine, Vexler says part of the appeal was “absolutely the Cummins engine,” and Ricarte, who operates the machines daily, praises their reliability.
“It picks up that weight and it’s easy—no hesitation,” he says. “Everything about how it operates—no problems. At the end of the day, when you shut down, you check it out and it’s still good.”
Simple tasks, kept simple
SENNEBOGEN has long considered its machines’ operational efficiency to be a competitive edge, and Vexler highlights the transparency and access to repair, service and parts by which SENNEBOGEN distinguished itself during the sales process and through its support services.
“SENNEBOGEN from the beginning has been very open, where we can contact them directly and get all the files needed to actually get into the equipment and work on it ourselves,” she says, noting that openness can be a crucial operational advantage.
“These days, there just aren’t enough technicians to go around. Being able to use technicians that are either trained by SENNEBOGEN or our own in-house technicians guarantees much more uptime.”
Like recyclers everywhere, Vexler says equipment downtime is one of the most unwelcome circumstances in the business.
“When our material handlers are down, we are not able to run our stationary equipment,” she says.
Reliability that can be put on display
As Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions has grown its SENNEBOGEN fleet from one machine to three, the company’s leaders and employees alike have grown to appreciate the SENNEBOGEN way of doing business—and proud to display it.
SENNEBOGEN, Monterrey and OEM Riverside Engineering all agreed to co-host a tour of the Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions shredder yard as part of the 2024 Recycled Materials Association Safety & Operations Forum.
“We brought in about 150 shredder operators from around the country and they toured this facility,” she says with pride. “[Participants] did a full 360-degree walk-through and training on the SENNEBOGEN equipment; it was a great experience.”
Having now logged considerable experience with three machines and two different SENNEBOGEN models, Vexler and Ricarte offer positive reviews of the company and its equipment.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with the SENNEBOGEN team,” Vexler says. “Every single person I’ve met has been extremely friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and not just equipment focused, but really industry focused.”
Regarding the scrap handlers that show up for work and perform a tough job reliably each day, Vexler says the company’s production staff has adopted the brand as a favorite of theirs.
“For them as well as us, uptime is a priority and efficiency is a priority, she says. “Knowing they can get in the cab and just start operating—that’s what they like to do.”
Ricarte summarizes it simply: “SENNEBOGEN does a top-grade machine. I think it would be great anywhere because it’s going to do the job.”
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