Proler Industries is pleased to share that the Prolerizer, an innovative creation by the Proler family, has been added to the collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington. This distinction honors the family’s pioneering role in transforming recycling and resource recovery ushering into a new era of sustainable industry that continues to shape the world today.
The invention of the Prolerizer, patented in 1961, revolutionized metal processing by establishing new benchmarks for industry. This innovation enabled the efficient transformation of large volumes of scrap into reusable material, conserving resources, reducing waste, and advancing the global shift toward a circular economy. The primary invention consisted of a rotor with many hammers, powered by a large engine, that could shred entire vehicles within seconds into small fist-sized pieces which could then be separated as ferrous and non-ferrous materials, providing steel mills with a superior new grade of scrap for remelting into new steel. Over thirty million cars in the United States are retired annually and processed by large auto-shredders.
From 1958 through the 1980’s, while Proler Steel Corporation was the first publicly held scrap recycler to trade on the NYSE, Sam, Izzie, Hymie and Jackie Proler, developed partnerships in more than a dozen locations in multiples countries where Prolerizer’s were consuming vehicles by the tens of thousands. What began as a bold idea in Houston, Texas became a catalyst for worldwide change—proof that technology and environmental responsibility can move forward together.
While the Smithsonian honor celebrates a rich history, Proler Industries remains focused on the future—continuing to innovate in sustainable materials processing, recycling technologies, and resource efficiency. The company’s commitment to excellence and progress ensures that the Proler legacy continues to evolve with every new challenge and opportunity. From advanced processing technologies to environmental stewardship, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation while honoring the legacy that started it all.
“Our family is deeply humbled by this honor,” said Preston Proler, Co-founding Partner of Proler Industries. “The Prolerizer was born from a simple goal: to do things better—for industry, for workers, and for the planet. Receiving recognition from the Smithsonian shows us that responsible innovation has the power to bring about enduring transformation. This is our American Recycling story.”
The Smithsonian's acknowledgment of the Prolerizer goes beyond honoring just one invention; it recognizes an ongoing legacy. As Proler Industries invests in next-generation recycling technologies and responsible resource management, the company remains committed to driving positive change for industries, communities, and the planet.
The Smithsonian Museum is planning to build an exhibition to feature actual components of a Prolerizer (Donated by AMR Recycling, a Nucor Company) that took their own Prolerizer off-line in 2024 after 63 years of service. In February 2025, the Proler family, along with friends, colleagues, and other ReMA members, gathered for a reception at a museum in Washington, D.C. to commemorate an important milestone in recycling.
This honor would not have been possible without the vision and drive of Becky Proler.
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