In 1935 Calamari Brothers Company, Incorporated was established on Howard Street on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut. The founders were two brothers, John and Anthony Calamari, and their brother-in-law Joseph Smith. This location on the river was optimum for maximizing the influx of salvaged metals and to efficiently turn the recycled metal as raw material for export. Through the years, the management team became experts in surviving the up and down fluctuations of the metals market. Their reputation with their vendors and customers helped to build a thriving business.
In the 1980s, as the city of New London wished to change the landscape of their city with different development projects, the company moved to a Trumbull street location that would utilize railroad lines for shipment of product. The management team was expanded to include the owner's son and son-in-law, Paul Calamari and Vincent Nucci.
Pfizer, a corporate neighbor in the New London waterfront redevelopment project, desired more contiguous property and purchased the Trumbull street property from Calamari Brothers, forcing the company to again relocate in 1998.
In 1999, Calamari relocated to neighboring Essex, CT, with the grandsons of the founder, Johnathan Nucci and his brother, Joel Nucci. An auto accident took the life of Jonathon, leaving Joel to manage the business.
Calamari Recycling, Inc. is currently located on 14 acres at 20 Town Dump Road in Essex, CT. It employs over 25 people full-time.
