Sutton Salvage: A shredder built on trust, performance and partnership

A family legacy in the scrap industry

In Lewiston, Idaho, Sutton Salvage stands as a testament to family-driven entrepreneurship. Now in its third generation, the company is led by Mitch Sutton, who, like his father and grandfather before him, has worked to build a business that serves its community while navigating the evolving challenges of the modern scrap recycling market.

Handling approximately 2,000-2,500 gross tons per month of ferrous and nonferrous material, Sutton Salvage has grown from a modest peddler operation into a respected local player and supplier to regional steel mills.

The company’s origins date back to 1973, when Mitch’s grandfather opened a small yard on the outskirts of town. In 1985, Mitch’s father relocated the business to its current site, operating for years with a conventional setup: a shear and a baler, like most small to midsized yards. That setup was enough for a while, but as the market shifted, so did the demands.

Mitch launched Mitchell’s Mobile Mashing in 2006, a mobile crushing service independent of the family business. When he took over Sutton Salvage in 2010, he integrated it into the business, complementing Sutton’s existing mobile tin baling service. It now plays a key role in feeding the shredder with a steady stream of end-of-life vehicles, strengthening the infeed capacity and operational independence.

Facing down competitive pressure

Sutton Salvage eventually found itself under growing pressure from large regional shredders, including a familiar competitor that operated both a retail recycling business and a major shredding facility.

“They were coming into our backyard, buying from the same suppliers while at the same time trying to push our prices down,” Mitch recalls. “We were being squeezed from both ends.”

With margins tightening and competitive pressure mounting, Mitch knew it was time to grow and adapt.

“We realized that to stay competitive—and to keep control of our business—we needed to add more value to our material and operate with greater independence,” he says.

He determined the answer was shredding. Mobile shredders made the most sense as they were flexible, faster to permit and easier to install.

“We looked at the market and found two options: one domestic and one foreign,” Mitch says. “We contacted the domestic supplier first, but the feedback we got from their references raised red flags—recurring performance issues and poor support. We weren’t willing to risk that.”

Choosing the right partner

From the outset, the experience with ZB Group stood apart.

“From our first meeting, it was clear this wasn’t just a sales pitch,” Mitch says. “They asked smart, relevant questions and genuinely took the time to understand how we operate and what our goals were. It wasn’t about closing a deal—it was about getting it right.”

That approach resonated with Mitch’s values.

“We’re a family business. We care deeply about how we work and who we partner with. ZB felt the same way.”

ZB Group is a family-owned Spanish equipment manufacturer with more than 40 years of experience in the shredding industry.

After a thorough evaluation, Mitch selected the THOR 8065 KP mobile hammermill shredder, powered by a 985-kilowatt electric motor.

“For us, it came down to four things: productivity, cost per ton, ease of maintenance and reliability,” Mitch says. “The THOR 8065 KP delivers 30–35 GT/hour with densities above 70 lb./ft³. After the initial learning curve, our processing cost is around $15 per gross ton. And when we need support, ZB responds immediately.

“Having spare parts and a responsive service team based here in the U.S. only reinforced our decision. It gave us confidence that we wouldn’t be left waiting when something came up.”

Even before the shredder arrived, ZB helped Sutton Salvage prepare for success.

“They arranged for our team to train alongside other THOR machines already in operation,” Mitch says. “That hands-on experience significantly shortened our ramp-up time. And the fact that other yards were willing to host us speaks volumes about the kind of partnerships ZB builds.”

Mitch adds, “The support from our manager, Riley, and the entire Sutton Salvage crew has been instrumental in making the rollout smooth and efficient.”

A strategic leap forward

The move marked a significant leap forward, both technologically and strategically. With the THOR 8065 KP, Sutton Salvage now can produce high-density, clean, shredded material that commands better prices, monetizes nonferrous content and gives it direct access to end consumers.

“Both the machine and the company have exceeded our expectations,” Mitch says. “There’s an old saying: If the mill doesn’t complain, they must love your product. And since our first test shipments, we haven’t had a single issue selling everything we’ve produced.

“But it’s not just the machine—it’s the people behind it too. You can’t fake care and you can’t fake knowledge. ZB has both. They stand behind their equipment and back it with real, dependable support.”

Looking back, Mitch sees the decision not just as an investment in equipment but in the future of his family’s business. Sutton Salvage now processes material more efficiently, controls its supply chain more effectively and competes in a market where value-added products make all the difference.

“I think a lot of small to midsized yards assume shredders are out of reach,” Mitch says. “But ZB made it possible. They’ve built machines that work for companies like ours, and they’ve shown that they’re here to build partnerships, not just sell machines.

“In a scrap market where scale and integration matter more than ever, the THOR 8065 KP gave us the edge we needed without compromising the values that got us here.”

For scrap yards navigating increased competition, tighter margins or the pressure to move up the value chain, Mitch’s experience offers a clear example of what’s possible.

“If you’re a small or midsized operation wondering whether shredding is within reach, I’d strongly recommend reaching out to ZB Group,” he says. “They understand what it takes to stay independent, and they have the machines and the mindset to help you get there.”