One of Britain's leading metal recycling companies has been forced into compulsory liquidation, threatening hundreds of jobs and sending shockwaves through the nation's vital steel industry.
Winding Down Operations
Unimetals Recycling, which operates from 28 sites across the country with its headquarters in Stratford-upon-Avon, is expected to begin winding down its operations imminently. The company filed for compulsory liquidation on Monday 24 November 2025.
The decision follows a failed attempt to rescue the struggling business. Advisers had been managing discussions with several potential purchasers, and while there was reported to be substantial interest from various parties, none of these talks resulted in a finalised deal to save the company.
Significant Impact on Jobs and Supply Chain
The immediate consequence of this collapse is the direct threat to approximately 650 jobs. The workforce now faces an uncertain future as the liquidation process gets underway.
The situation has drawn the attention of the UK government, which is understood to be closely monitoring developments. This heightened level of scrutiny is due to Unimetals' significant role within Britain's critical steel supply chain. The firm's extensive operations made it a key player in the national infrastructure for recycling and supplying metal.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The failure to secure new financing or a buyer for a company of this scale highlights the potential pressures facing the recycling and industrial sectors. The liquidation of such a major operator is likely to have a ripple effect, impacting suppliers and customers who relied on Unimetals' services.
As one of the UK's biggest firms in its field, its exit from the market creates a substantial gap, raising concerns about the resilience and stability of the domestic metal recycling landscape.
