Upstate Shredding-Ben Weitsman Names Root VP

Upstate Shredding-Ben Weitsman, Owego, N.Y., has named Joel Root vice president. Root formerly was commercial manager for Sims Metal Management.

In a release, Adam Weitsman, president of Upstate Shredding-Ben Weitsman, says, “We’re excited to have Joel join our company. With his strong background in the scrap industry and his expertise in growing scrap networks, he will be a strong addition to our team.”

In his new position, Root will make decisions involving the company’s 11 corporate facilities, including two mega-shredders. He replaces Steve Green, who has been promoted to president.

Root has been in the scrap metal business since 1987, starting as a buyer for Wooster Iron & Metal, Wooster, Ohio. From there, he became a buyer in Jersey City, N.J., for Prolerized Schiabo Neu, rising to the position of commercial manager for Sims Metal Management.

During his stay with Sims, Root was charged with opening and developing feeder yards to support networks of shredders and export docks and implemented a purchasing program with multiple auto auctions.