New ReMA Member Spotlight: MetalNomad LLC

Based in Austin, TX, Metalnomad LLC represents a new concept of mobile foundry complexes that integrate induction furnaces, CNC machines, fiber lasers, filtration systems, solar panels, and artificial intelligence.

ReMA News spoke with Atajan Rustamov, Founder & CEO of Metalnomad LLC, about his short-term and long-term goals for the company, how he decided to join ReMA, and where he sees the recycled materials industry moving forward in the next several years.

Tell me about yourself and the company.

I have spent more than 25 years working across industrial operations, metallurgy, manufacturing systems, finance, and business management. Throughout my career, I have held leadership positions in both industrial and financial sectors, managing large-scale operational and production systems.

Since 2012, I have led industrial operations involving metal processing and recycling activities, overseeing teams of more than 60 employees and operations handling approximately 45,000 tons of ferrous materials and 3,000 tons of non-ferrous materials annually.

Over the years, I have also participated in the implementation and launch of multiple advanced manufacturing projects and industrial technologies, some of which represented among the first initiatives of their kind in Turkmenistan. These projects included copper processing systems, aluminum production technologies, polymer manufacturing projects, and other industrial material-processing operations.

I have been directly involved in equipment selection, logistics coordination, commissioning, implementation, and full production-cycle management. These experiences allowed me to see firsthand how new technologies are introduced, adapted, and scaled in real industrial environments.

Over time, this combination of industrial, technical, managerial, entrepreneurial, and financial experience ultimately led me to establish MetalNomad LLC in Texas and develop ForgeX - a mobile industrial platform designed to bring foundry, machining, repair, and manufacturing capabilities directly to the customer site.

Instead of moving materials and parts for long distances, we aim to bring industrial capability directly to the worksite through mobile and self-contained systems. Our vision combines metallurgy, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and digital technologies to create practical solutions for industries where uptime, efficiency, and operational resilience are critical.

How did you hear about ReMA and how did you decide to join the association?

As someone professionally involved in metallurgy, material processing, and industrial systems, I have followed developments within the recycled materials industry for many years.

While expanding MetalNomad and developing ForgeX for the U.S. market, I was looking for organizations that represent innovation, industry leadership, and professional collaboration. ReMA immediately stood out as a leading organization connecting companies, experts, and businesses throughout the recycling and materials ecosystem.

Joining ReMA felt like a natural step because I strongly believe that successful industries are built through relationships, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.

What excites you most about being a new ReMA member?

What excites me most is becoming part of a professional community that brings together people with different experiences and perspectives from across the industry.

Recycling and materials processing are evolving rapidly, and I believe some of the most important innovations emerge when manufacturers, recyclers, engineers, and technology companies share ideas and expertise.

I am especially interested in learning from industry leaders, building professional relationships, and contributing ideas related to mobility, manufacturing, sustainability, and industrial efficiency.

What are your short-term and long-term goals for the company?

In the short term, our goal is to establish a strong operational foundation for ForgeX in Texas and build partnerships across industrial and recycling sectors.

The project begins in Texas because the state has one of the largest and most diverse industrial infrastructures in the United States. Texas includes remote oil and gas operations, agricultural sectors, heavy industry, infrastructure projects, and manufacturing facilities that may require rapid repair capabilities, industrial support, and equipment restoration directly at the worksite. We believe Texas provides an ideal environment to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ForgeX mobile industrial model.

In the long term, we envision creating a broader network of mobile industrial units serving multiple industries and regions. After establishing a sustainable operational model in Texas, ForgeX has the potential to gradually expand into additional U.S. states.

Beyond operational efficiency, we also see important environmental benefits. In many remote areas, damaged components and equipment are often transported for long distances for diagnostics, repair, or manufacturing support. Those additional transportation cycles increase fuel consumption, emissions, and unnecessary environmental impact.

By bringing industrial capabilities directly to the worksite, we believe mobile systems can reduce transportation-related emissions and improve resource efficiency. In the future, these types of operating models may also align with sustainability initiatives and potential carbon credit opportunities.

Where do you see the recycled materials industry moving forward in the next several years?

I believe the industry will increasingly move toward technology integration, smarter material recovery, automation, and stronger sustainability initiatives. Data-driven systems, AI-assisted technologies, digital tools, and more effective material tracking will become increasingly important. Companies will continue searching for ways to improve efficiency and reduce operational losses.

Recycling is evolving into a strategic component of manufacturing, supply chains, industrial resilience, and long-term sustainability strategies.

Is there anything else you would like ReMA members to know about your company?

ForgeX is being developed around real industrial experience. The concept was not created in a conference room. It developed through years of observing operational challenges, downtime, transportation inefficiencies, and practical industrial needs faced by real businesses.

We also believe the future of industry should not only improve productivity but also reduce unnecessary environmental impact. Reducing transportation requirements, shortening repair cycles, and improving efficiency can generate both economic and sustainability benefits. As industries increasingly focus on carbon reduction goals and environmental performance, we believe practical field-based solutions will play an increasingly important role.