Maddy Gupta
Recycling Purpose into Progress
In a world urgently seeking sustainable solutions, Mr. Madhur Gupta—better known as Maddy—stands as a visionary redefining recycling and business leadership. As the Founder and CEO of Manhari Group, Maddy has transformed what began as a modest initiative into a flagship enterprise that champions innovation, community, and environmental stewardship. His journey, marked by tenacity and bold decisions, earns him a place among Ambitious Magazine’s “Idols of Legacy.”
Early Roots and Bold Beginnings
Raised in a small town near Delhi, Maddy’s foundation was grounded in humility, resilience, and the strength of family. His move to Melbourne to pursue higher education at Monash University was a leap of faith that would shape his future. Leaving behind familial comfort, he chose challenge over certainty—a theme that would later define his entrepreneurial path.
After graduating, Maddy’s early ventures included recycling clothing for second-hand stores. But it was a chance encounter with metal recycling bins that sparked his long-term vision. From this insight emerged Manhari Metals in 2007—a company that would grow to become a sustainability powerhouse in Victoria, Australia.
From Scrap to Strategy: Building Manhari Group
Manhari Group has grown from humble beginnings into a recycling empire with three established sites—Tottenham, Horsham, Ararat—and a fourth in Ballarat scheduled to launch in 2025. At the Tottenham headquarters alone, over 180,000 metric tons of material are processed annually, including white goods, construction scrap, and automotive waste.
Maddy’s approach combines hands-on leadership with strategic foresight. By owning the supply chain, Manhari ensures quality, cost control, and operational efficiency. Nearly 90% of its outputs are exported to over 26 countries, including industrial giants like India and China. This global footprint reflects the company’s dedication to high standards and sustainable trade.
Driving Innovation in the Circular Economy
Central to Maddy’s legacy is his passion for innovation. With the acquisition of Revert Group, Manhari expanded into tyre, solar panel, and e-waste recycling—aligning with the ethos of a circular economy. The Revert philosophy—”Waste-to-product solutions by way of Recycling, Rediverting, and Reverting”—perfectly mirrors Manhari’s own mission.
Maddy envisions the future of recycling not as a reactive service but as a proactive, tech-enabled ecosystem. Through investment in smart sorting systems, AI-driven waste analysis, and the creation of regional waste models, Manhari is setting the bar for next-generation recycling.
Family at the Core
Beyond business acumen, Maddy’s strength lies in his values. His wife, Pooja, plays a central role in managing the company. Together, they have fostered a company culture where trust, teamwork, and compassion lead the way.
Community support is woven into the company’s DNA. Manhari Metals proudly sponsors local sports teams and partners with Cricket Victoria to uplift emerging talent. These efforts go beyond branding—they reflect a commitment to grassroots development and social responsibility.
Overcoming the Odds
The recycling industry is not without its challenges—volatile prices, quality control, and fluctuating international demand. Yet Maddy navigated these complexities with a rare blend of pragmatism and vision. His implementation of integrated management systems across all Manhari sites has enhanced transparency and built enduring client trust.
Through strategic planning and team resilience, Manhari has consistently delivered strong financial results, even during economic downturns. Maddy’s leadership proves that purpose-driven business can also be commercially successful.
The Power of Purpose
For Maddy, recycling is more than a business—it’s a mission to safeguard the environment. Through community workshops, free pickup services, and educational initiatives, Manhari encourages everyday citizens to participate in sustainability.
Collaborations with councils and local transfer stations streamline waste systems while supporting the creation of replicable, scalable models. This proactive engagement is helping Victoria progress toward its environmental targets and educating future generations about their role in the planet’s future.
Legacy in Motion
Maddy’s greatest inspiration comes from his own journey—from humble beginnings to industry leadership. He believes in learning through experience, embracing failure, and constantly evolving. His advice to emerging professionals: “Don’t fear challenges. Each one is a disguised opportunity.”
His favourite mantra is simple yet powerful: “Every piece of scrap has a story.” To Maddy, those stories are not waste, but potential—a chance to rebuild, reimagine, and rejuvenate.
Vision for Tomorrow
Looking forward, Maddy sees Manhari Group leading the transition to a fully circular economy. Plans are underway to establish additional recycling plants that will cater to emerging needs like battery and electronics processing. The company also aims to expand its educational footprint, turning sustainability into a shared mission.
Manhari is exploring partnerships with tech firms to develop automated sorting systems, aiming to reduce manual labour and increase efficiency. Such initiatives reflect Maddy’s dedication to blending tradition with innovation.
A Legacy of Brilliance
Madhur Gupta’s story is not just one of personal triumph but a reflection of what purposeful entrepreneurship can achieve. By aligning profit with planet, and ambition with empathy, he has built more than a business—he has built a legacy.
As Ambitious Magazine honours the “Idols of Legacy,” Maddy Gupta shines brightly as a changemaker whose work leaves lasting impact—not only on the recycling industry, but on the future of sustainable living itself.