Baker Iron & Metal

For two families in separate states, the 1920's brought about the beginning of constructive, successful changes. In Kentucky, the Baker family started recycling in 1921 under the name Baker Iron & Metal Company. In Ohio, the Cohen family started recycling in 1924 under the name Cohen Brothers Inc. Throughout the decades, both entities remained family-owned, and became prominent recyclers within their states.

Beginning in the 1990's, many respected and established family names in the scrap recycling industry began to disappear as several large consolidating entities began to buy up family-owned businesses.

'Our customers influenced us to a great extent to remain independent. They wanted to do business with the Cohen Family and the Cohen personnel,' said Wilbur Cohen, Chairman and CEO of Cohen Brothers Inc. The Cohen family resisted consolidation and, instead, expanded.

In 2003, the Cohen family purchased the Baker assets in Lexington, Kentucky and formed Cohen Brothers of Lexington, Inc. The facilities continued to operate under the banner Baker Iron & Metal Company though, in the background, the Cohen family employed their core management efforts to successfully transition and grow the company.