Our Story
25 Years
Moving Metal
Founded in Charlotte, NC in 1999. Family-owned, independently operated, and still run by the same person who started it — Charlie Johnson.
Charlie Johnson · (980) 398-8336 · Charlotte, NC
25+
Years in Business
48
States Served
500K+
Tons Processed
ISO
9001 Certified
The Owner
Charlie
Johnson
Charlie Johnson started Exotic Metals LLC in 1999 out of Charlotte, NC with a straightforward idea: industrial customers deserve a metal buyer who actually knows what they're selling. Not a yard that guesses grades, short-weights loads, or takes three weeks to cut a check.
Over 25 years, that idea turned into a nationwide operation — 48 states, 500,000+ tons processed, ISO 9001 certified. But the fundamentals haven't changed. Charlie still answers the phone. You still get a real quote from someone who knows the difference between Inconel 625 and 718, between #1 bare bright and #2 copper wire.
Exotic Metals specializes in the metals most yards won't touch — superalloys, refractory metals, precious metals, and specialty grades that require real expertise to price correctly. That specialization is what keeps manufacturers, aerospace contractors, and demolition companies coming back.
Charlie Johnson
Founder & Owner — Exotic Metals LLC
I built this business on one rule: pay people what their metal is actually worth. No games with the scale. No downgrading grades to pad the margin. Just honest weights, honest prices, and cash, bank transfer, or money order the same day.
Charlie Johnson
Charlotte, NC · Est. 1999
How We Operate
What We Stand For
Honest Weights
Every load is weighed on NTEP-certified scales. You see the ticket, every time. No surprises, no short weights.
Same-Day Settlement
We pay the day we process. Cash, bank transfer, or money order if required. Your money doesn't sit in our account while we "process paperwork."
Grade Transparency
On-site XRF alloy verification means we identify exactly what you have. No downgrading your Inconel 625 to 600.
Nationwide Reach
Based in Charlotte, NC — but we move metal in 48 states. Our logistics network handles full truckloads coast to coast.
Direct Relationships
You deal with Charlie Johnson directly. No call centers, no account reps who don't know the difference between 304 and 316.
Market-Linked Pricing
Prices updated daily against COMEX and LME. Contract customers get locked tiers. Spot customers get the real market rate.
Company History
25 Years of Growth
1999
Founded in Charlotte, NC by Charlie Johnson with a focus on industrial copper and brass buying.
2004
Expanded into exotic superalloys — Inconel, Hastelloy, and titanium — serving aerospace and defense contractors.
2009
Launched nationwide pickup program. First year covering 30+ states with dedicated fleet logistics.
2014
Achieved ISO 9001 certification. Precious metals recovery program launched for PGM catalysts and industrial contacts.
2019
Surpassed 500,000 tons of metal processed. Expanded to 48-state coverage with regional logistics partners.
2024
Celebrating 25 years. Still family-owned, still operated by Charlie Johnson, still answering the phone directly.
Credentials
Licensed & Certified
ISO 9001
Quality Management Certified
NTEP Scales
Certified Weights & Measures
Licensed Recycler
State & Federal Compliance
48 States
Nationwide Operating Authority