Danny Rifkin: A Legacy of Innovation and Community Impact
On April 1, 2025, Danny Rifkin, the founder of MetalX, passed away at the age of 71. Rifkin’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life spent shaping the scrap recycling industry and leaving an indelible mark on both his community and the broader business world. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, a testament to the deep personal connections he fostered throughout his career and life.
A Visionary in the Recycling Industry
Rifkin’s career began with OmniSource, one of the largest scrap recycling companies in the United States. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the company’s president and CEO. Under his leadership, OmniSource became a major player in the recycling sector. In 2007, Steel Dynamics Inc acquired OmniSource for over $1 billion in a deal that shocked the industry. The acquisition highlighted the rising importance of Electric Arc Furnace steelmakers, who rely heavily on scrap material as a raw resource.
The deal also emphasized Rifkin's foresight in recognizing the growing value of recycled materials in steel production, setting the stage for EAF steel to become a dominant method in steelmaking. Following the acquisition, Rifkin continued to play an influential role in the industry, leveraging his experience and passion for sustainable recycling practices.
The Founding of MetalX
In 2012, Rifkin and his son Neal Rifkin founded MetalX, a scrap recycling company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. MetalX specialized in providing high-quality prime scrap materials to steelmakers, focusing on both domestic and international markets. Under Rifkin’s leadership, MetalX grew quickly, gaining a reputation for its operational excellence and commitment to sustainability.
In 2021, BlueScope Steel, an Australian-based steel company, acquired MetalX for $240 million. This acquisition represented a strategic move by BlueScope to secure a reliable supply of valuable scrap materials for its steel production operations. MetalX’s success and the subsequent acquisition underscored Rifkin’s ability to build a successful business and position it for long-term success.
Commitment to Community and Faith
Danny Rifkin’s legacy extended beyond his professional achievements. He was deeply committed to his community and his faith. In addition to his work in the recycling and steel industries, Rifkin founded the Fort Wayne Center for Learning, an institution dedicated to helping children with learning differences. His passion for education and helping others was evident in his efforts to create opportunities for those in need.
Rifkin was also a devoted member of the Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne, where he worked to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. His commitment to historical education and remembrance was part of his broader goal to give back to his community and ensure that future generations understood the importance of empathy, history, and education.
A Lasting Impact
Rifkin’s contributions to the scrap recycling industry were not just about the companies he founded or the deals he brokered. His work played a key role in promoting the recycling of materials and sustainable practices in steel production. He recognized early on the value of recycled scrap in the steelmaking process, and his work has had a lasting impact on how the industry approaches material sourcing and sustainability.
His business achievements were matched by his personal contributions to education, community service, and cultural preservation. Rifkin’s passion for improving the lives of others and his drive to make a meaningful difference in the world are what set him apart as a leader in both business and community.
The Funeral Service
A funeral service for Danny Rifkin will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Covington Knolls in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The service will provide an opportunity for friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate the life of a man who influenced the recycling industry and touched the lives of many.
Key Takeaways:
• Danny Rifkin, the founder of MetalX and former OmniSource CEO, passed away on April 1, 2025.
• Rifkin was a visionary in the scrap recycling industry, having led OmniSource to a $1 billion acquisition by Steel Dynamics in 2007.
• He co-founded MetalX in 2012, which was later acquired by BlueScope Steel for $240 million in 2021.
• Rifkin’s career highlighted the value of recycled materials in steel production, especially Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking.
• Beyond business, Rifkin was deeply involved in his community, founding the Fort Wayne Center for Learning and supporting the Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne.
• The funeral service for Rifkin will be held on April 6, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Danny Rifkin’s passing marks the loss of a remarkable leader whose contributions to the scrap recycling industry, his community, and his faith will be remembered for years to come. His legacy of innovation, generosity, and leadership will continue to inspire future generations.
