Belgian recycling equipment manufacturer Lefort has acquired Aljon, an Iowa-based producer of balers and crushers for the scrap metal and end-of-life vehicle recycling industry. The acquisition strengthens Lefort America, which was launched in 2014, and expands the group’s presence in the North American recycling equipment market. Founded in 1963, Aljon has built a long-standing position in the design and manufacture of equipment used by scrap processors, automotive recyclers and landfill operators. Lefort said the transaction supports its international growth strategy and consolidates its position among global suppliers of recycling equipment, including shears, balers, shredders, crushers and machinery for high-volume material recovery operations.

Aljon adds US manufacturing presence

Aljon is based in Ottumwa, Iowa, and manufactures landfill compactors, car crushers and metal baling equipment. The company serves customers in the scrap metal, end-of-life vehicle and waste management sectors, with service and support activity extending beyond the United States.

Through the acquisition, Lefort gains a stronger operational platform in the US market. The deal gives the Belgian group additional local manufacturing and customer support capacity at a time when North American recyclers continue to invest in heavy-duty processing equipment.

Lefort expands North American footprint

Lefort said the acquisition reinforces Lefort America and strengthens the group’s position in the US market. The company has been active in North America for more than a decade and supplies recycling machinery to scrap processors and other industrial recyclers.

The addition of Aljon broadens Lefort’s equipment portfolio and market access. For customers, the combined offering may provide wider access to balers, crushers, shears and related recycling equipment used in metal recovery and end-of-life vehicle processing.

Transaction follows previous international expansion

The acquisition continues Lefort’s external growth strategy. In 2023, the group acquired French manufacturer Copex, strengthening its position in hydraulic shears and balers for scrap metal recycling. The Aljon transaction adds another established brand to Lefort’s industrial equipment platform.

For Lefort, the deal supports continued development as a global recycling equipment supplier. The company has described international growth, production capacity and customer service as key elements of its strategy.

Recycling equipment demand linked to circular economy growth

Balers, crushers, shears and shredders are central to the recycling industry because they prepare bulky waste and scrap materials for transport, sorting, processing and recovery. In the end-of-life vehicle and scrap metal sectors, such equipment supports the recovery of steel, non-ferrous metals and other reusable materials.

The acquisition therefore reflects wider demand for robust recycling infrastructure as material recovery markets expand. Stronger equipment networks can help recyclers improve throughput, reduce handling costs and supply more consistent secondary raw materials to industrial customers.

Deal strengthens position in scrap and vehicle recycling

Aljon’s product base is closely linked to vehicle recycling, scrap metal processing and landfill compaction. These markets require durable machinery capable of processing heavy and irregular material streams.

By combining Aljon’s US market presence with Lefort’s global machinery portfolio, the group is positioning itself to serve recyclers seeking integrated equipment solutions for metal recovery, end-of-life vehicle dismantling and waste processing.

Lefort cites strategic importance of the acquisition

Lefort said the acquisition confirms its ambition to continue international growth while strengthening its position among leading recycling equipment providers. The company expects the transaction to reinforce its North American presence and support customers in a market where recycling infrastructure and circular economy investment remain important.

For the broader recycling sector, the deal shows continued consolidation among equipment suppliers serving scrap metal, automotive recycling and waste recovery markets. It also highlights the importance of local manufacturing, service capacity and established brands in supporting industrial recycling operations.

Article source: Lefort.