Our Story Begins in Southern Italy

The Santoro and Cerminara families trace their roots to Savelli, Calabria, a small mountain village in Southern Italy where life was simple, humble, and grounded in faith, loyalty, and community. Hard work was a way of life, and family always came first.



In the mid-20th century, both families immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. They settled in the steel towns of Follansbee and Weirton, West Virginia, just outside of Pittsburgh. They arrived with little money, no English, and few possessions, but with an abundance of hope and determination.

Immigrant Beginnings

Life was not easy. The families shared homes, worked long shifts in factories, and lived off the land, hunting, farming, and wasting nothing. They relied on one another and learned from their neighbors.

Despite every challenge, one thing remained constant: they never stopped working toward something better.

In their homes, education, integrity, and discipline were non-negotiable. Family members worked their way through school, took on multiple jobs, and continued striving with courage and humility.

From Then To Now

What started as a small operation rooted in industrial know-how and shared family effort has grown into a thriving, multi-location recycling company.

Today, Santoro Metals remains committed to the same values that carried our families from the hills of Calabria to the heart of American industry: honesty, discipline, pride in our work, and respect for every customer.