Our History

Since 1916, Manitoba has been at the forefront of metal transformation and sustainability.

Founded in Buffalo, NY in 1916, Manitoba Corporation was established by Solomon Shine, and is now guided by the third and fourth generations of our founders, alongside dedicated individuals who have joined our team over the past century.

1916: The Beginning

Solomon Shine was a European immigrant unable to find work in the local factories. He obtained a pushcart and started to earn a living picking up rags, waste paper, and metals from people's homes. Eventually through very hard work and long hours he earned enough money to purchase a horse and wagon which allowed him to increase the amount of materials which he was able to recycle.

1916

1922

Solomon's success leads him to buying a horse and buggy

1922

1937

Nathan Shine joins the company and carries on Solomon's dedication to quality and commitment to service.

1937

1956: Manitoba is Born

In its early years, Solomon purchased a small shop and became a wholesaler, managing the merchandise of other peddlers. Later, Joseph Baker joined the firm, and the company was renamed Manitoba Corporation, focusing on non-ferrous metals. After World War II, with the rise of synthetic fabrics like nylon, dacron, and rayon, the demand for rag collection and processing significantly declined. As a result, Manitoba Corporation gradually shifted its focus, increasing its work with metals and moving away from the collection and processing of rags and waste paper.

1956

1970

After a succesful career in the military, Richard Shine joins the company and places an emphasis on machinery and equipment.

1970

1973

Manitoba buys its first airplane a Piper Aztec in order to be able to respond to our clients faster.

1973

1981

Manitoba opens up a St. Louis operation to service our customers in the midwest.

1981

1985

Brian Shine graduates college on a Saturday and joins the business the following Monday.

1985

1990

Manitoba buys state of the art facility in Lancaster and consolidates chopping and production departments.

1990

2003

Manitoba Corporation implements ISO 9001 in order to provide continued quality 2012. After 30 yrs of leasing, Manitoba purchases a building in St. Louis.

2003

2006

Richard and Brian Shine buy Joseph Baker's shares of the company and Joe retires.

2006

2008

Adam Shine joins the business after gaining experience in software sales career.2008

2011

Manitoba Corp partners with Green Port Environmental on a Joint Venture named
Utility Recyclers International.

2011

2012

After 30 yrs of leasing, Manitoba purchases a building in St. Louis ensuring continued commitment to it's customers 2008 in the midwest.

2012

2015

Sam Shine, 5th generation joins the company in Business Development for our JV URI.

2015

2021

Brian and Adam Shine buy their father Richard Shine out. He remains a crucial part of the company.

2021

Today and the into Future

Today, Manitoba Corporation operates a state-of-the-art metal processing plant at its headquarters in Lancaster, NY, just east of Buffalo, along with a second facility in St. Louis, MO. As we continue to expand, our commitment to the future of metal transformation remains unwavering.

2024 +

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Start the conversation by calling (716) 685-7000 or emailing us.