Closed Loop Partners Acquires Sutter Metals for Processing

Closed Loop Partners has significantly expanded its footprint in the domestic critical minerals and metals processing sector through a majority investment in Sutter Metals. This strategic move, announced on March 31, 2026, aims to bolster the United States' capacity for handling valuable scrap materials, addressing a critical gap in the nation's industrial supply chain. The financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed, though J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Closed Loop Partners.

Sutter Metals, established in 2009 and based in the Seattle-Tacoma area, has evolved from a used auto parts vendor into a sophisticated metals management enterprise. The company specializes in the collection, sorting, and processing of high-value scrap metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, and stainless steel. These materials are sourced from demanding sectors including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Beyond metals, Sutter Metals also handles other recovered commodities like aluminum cans and cardboard, contributing to a more comprehensive circular economy model.

This acquisition aligns with Closed Loop Partners' broader mission to advance the circular economy. The firm's private equity division actively seeks cash-flowing businesses across various sectors, including packaging, technology, food, agriculture, and energy efficiency. By integrating Sutter Metals, Closed Loop Partners is reinforcing its commitment to building resilient domestic supply chains for essential materials, a priority underscored by recent global supply chain volatilities and evolving regulatory environments.

The deal is particularly timely given the substantial amount of valuable metals still ending up in landfills. Industry data indicates that a significant portion of nonferrous (29%) and ferrous (54%) metals are not recovered, representing a missed opportunity for resource utilization and economic value. Closed Loop Partners anticipates that Sutter Metals will leverage this investment to scale its processing capabilities, expand its geographic reach, and pursue a buy-and-build strategy through further acquisitions. This expansion is expected to directly support industries such as data centers, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing, which have growing demands for processed metals.

Jackson Pei, Managing Director and Co-Head of Closed Loop Private Equity, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership. He stated, "Sutter Metals has established itself as an experienced and strategically located operator with strong customer relationships. We are excited to partner with the Sutter Metals team as they scale their processing capabilities." This sentiment was echoed by Chad Sutter, CEO of Sutter Metals, who emphasized the accelerated mission and strengthened domestic supply chains enabled by the collaboration.

Ron Gonen, Founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners, further elaborated on the investment's significance. "This investment reflects our commitment to supporting the expansion of scalable solutions for critical materials, helping to create resilient domestic supply chains that serve the needs of American industry." The move positions Closed Loop Partners as a key player in enhancing the U.S. capacity for processing vital metals, contributing to both environmental sustainability and industrial competitiveness.