More than a century in the making.
From a Vancouver scrap-peddling business in 1912 to a multi-location recycling company operating across Western Canada and Washington.
Built, adapted, and expanded over time.
ABC’s history reflects changes in recycling, transportation, markets, ownership, and geography while remaining rooted in the Yochlowitz family business.
Where the story begins.
Joseph Yochlowitz begins a scrap peddling business in Vancouver, establishing the foundation for the company that becomes ABC Recycling.
Key moments in ABC’s history.
The Yochlowitz and Goldstick families immigrate to Canada.
Joseph Yochlowitz begins a scrap peddling business in Vancouver.
Joseph’s sons Daniel and Charlie join the business.
The J. Yochlowitz Second Hand Dealer location is established at 818 Main Street.
Joseph establishes Service Auto Wrecking at 980 Main Street.
Daniel launches his own salvage business, Scrap Metal Shop.
Daniel Yochlowitz marries Molly Goldstick.
Daniel opens ABC Salvage and Metal Company on Main Street.
Melvyn Yochlowitz joins the business full-time at age 16.
Harold Yochlowitz joins the business full-time at age 22.
ABC purchases the 10-acre Burnaby property that becomes Head Office.
Harold takes on day-to-day leadership as CEO.
Burnaby operations shift from salvage toward recycling and direct mill sales.
ABC Salvage is renamed ABC Recycling.
ABC builds a rail spur and begins selling to U.S. customers.
The non-ferrous business emerges as the business model expands.
Helen Alko joins the company.
David Yochlowitz joins the company full-time.
ABC opens its Campbell River location.
Karen Alko joins the company full-time; David takes on day-to-day leadership as CEO.
David Yochlowitz is named to Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40.
ABC acquires Bold Salvage in Terrace, BC.
Mike Yochlowitz joins full-time; ABC acquires Action Metals in Kelowna.
ABC opens Surrey and receives the Family Enterprise of the Year Award.
ABC receives Burnaby Business Excellence Awards – Business of the Year.
ABC opens Prince George.
David Yochlowitz receives BCIT’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
ABC opens Fort St. John and celebrates its 100th anniversary.
ABC acquires Grande Prairie Salvage and is inducted into the Burnaby Business Hall of Fame.
ABC receives the Burnaby Hospital Foundation Award for Corporate Citizenship.
ABC opens Nanaimo.
ABC receives the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce International Export Award.
David Yochlowitz is named a Top Family Business CEO to Watch by Family Business Magazine.
ABC wins Canada’s Best Managed Companies and acquires Fraser Valley Metals in Abbotsford.
ABC acquires Skagit River Steel & Recycling in Burlington, Washington.
A long history. Still moving forward.
See the people leading ABC today.