Madison, Connecticut, USA – May 19, 2025 – The Wire Association International Inc. (WAI) reports excellent results following the staging of its biennial Interwire Conference & Trade Exposition and its 4th Global Continuous Casting Forum (GCCF), held May 13-15 and May 12-15, respectively, in Hall A of the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

WAI welcomed 3,386 visitors from 46 countries and 42 U.S. states. Attendees from 450 manufacturing facilities were represented. 350 companies exhibited this year.

The collective programs, which featured 85 speakers, offered a vast selection of topics. Both conference programs and the sold-out exhibition provided participants with boundless opportunities for fact-finding, exploring new manufacturing technologies, and networking throughout the week.

WAI’s 2025 President Eric Bieberich said “Interwire 2025 lived up to this year’s theme—Shaping the Future of Wire Making, Uniting People & Technology—with courses and planning sessions focused on the wire and cable industry’s future. Keynote and conference sessions showcased technological advancements and leadership insights, while the show floor buzzed with business opportunities, fostering collaboration and leaving me optimistic about our industry’s future.”

During its Annual Meeting WAI bestowed its highest honors on the following four award winners. Mordica Memorial Award: Emmanuel De Moor, Colorado School of Mines; Donnellan Memorial Award: Thomas M. Heberling, formerly of Southwire Company; President’s Award: Willem Sundblad, Oden Technologies; and the WAI Champion Award: Andrea Pirondini, Prysmian.

Interwire highlights included:
• Pre-show, one-day Fundamentals of wire manufacturing course;
• Keynote speaker Andrea Pirondini, CEO, Prysmian North America, who presented: Linking the future: Driving tomorrow’s wire solutions;
• Keynote speaker Chris Tuff, best-selling author of the Millennial Whisperer, who presented: Creating a culture of connection;
• Featured speaker Willem Sundblad, CEO & Co-Founder, Oden Technologies, who presented: The future of manufacturing; and the
• Welcome Reception at Mercedes-Benz Stadium that hosted more than 1,000 people. New additions this year included:
• The Advanced Extrusion Workshop at Southwire’s Carrollton campus;
• The Fireside Chat with keynote speaker Chris Tuff and Rebecca Cranford, SVP, Southwire Company LLC;
• Introduction of WAI’s new Education Center;
• The Taste of the South Happy Hour and WJI Relaxation Lounge; and
• The Global Roundabout station offering cultural food/beverage samples from various sponsors.

Commenting on the GCCF, Chair, Chris Tucker, said: “I’m extremely proud of what we achieved with this year’s Global Continuous Casting Forum at Interwire. Bringing together experts from across the global industry allowed for meaningful discussion on both current practices and emerging technologies. It’s a strong signal that this community is committed to progress.”

Global Continuous Casting Forum highlights included:
• Networking receptions & awards dinner;
• Aurubis Richmond plant tour;
• Advances in Casting Technology;
• Global Cu/Al/Scrap Markets;
• Copper & Aluminum Technical Sessions;
• Lubrication, Testing, Automation, & Safety Sessions; and a
• Sustainable Operations & Panel Discussion.

Interwire Sponsors
Elite: Gem Gravure Co. Inc.; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; Lloyd & Bouvier Inc.; Prysmian; SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS; Setic & Pourtier; and Southwire Company LLC
Platinum: Carris Reels Inc.; and Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.
Gold: Niehoff Endex; and RichardsApex Inc.
Silver: Fort Wayne Wire Die; The MGS Group; SIKORA International Corp.; Sonoco Reels & Spools; Strecker; and Troester GmbH & Co. KG
Bronze: Baum’s Castorine Co. Inc.; ENKOTEC; Esteves Group; Cable Components Group; Gendon Polymer Services, Inc.; Precision Reel/Payoffs; and Sjogren Industries Inc. Industry Partner: Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association

GCCF Sponsors
Platinum: Freeport McMoRan; Prysmian; RichardsApex Inc.; Rio Tinto; SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS; Southwire Company LLC
Gold: Continuus-Properzi SpA
Silver: Quaker Houghton; Saint-Gobain; SMS Group; TotalEnergies; UPCAST OY

The next staging of Interwire will be May 4-6, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center