Capital Iron and Metals Ltd. was established in Victoria, B.C., as a scrap business in 1934 by Morris L. Greene. Much of its business resulted from the dismantling of ships for scrap. Between 1934 and 1971, the company dismantled nearly 100 ships of various sizes. In 1971, the scrap business was shut down and the company has concentrated on the retail trade.
The Capital Iron & Metals Co. Ltd. was owned by the Greene family since it was founded in 1934 by Morris Greene, and was later taken over in 1972 by his son Ronald Greene. It used to be a ship-scrapping business and evolved to be a retailer for a number of items like camping and fishing equipment, patio furniture, cookware, tools, antiques, and nautical parts and pieces. From 1934 to 1971 Capital Iron and Metals had dismantled almost 100 ships. After the 2nd World War they started buying military surplus items and machinery parts, and also expanded to goods acquired in government auctions, distress sales and insurance claims. Ron’s daughter and son-in law, Mike Black, are the last owners of Capital Iron until it closed in 2022. Ron restored the façade of the buildings that house the company to their 1890s appearance which was recognized with the 1981 Award of Merit of the Hallmark Society and the 1982 Regional Award of Heritage Canada.
Founded by John Mitchell, the company is the oldest Canadian-owned stevedoring company to serve British Columbia's marine industry. From the 1946-1963 they operated four docks under contract to Robin Hood flour before beginning their expansion, and acquisition of Louise Wolfe & Sons among others. In 2006, they were acquired by DP World.