Wirenet Image Band
wirenet.org mobile image band

Wire Journal News

Subscribe to this RSS feed

WAI News

Ohio Valley Chapter to return to Kensington Golf Club in Avon, CT, for Aug. 22 tourney

The Ohio Valley Chapter (OVC) will hold its annual golf outing on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at Kensington Golf Club in Canfield, Ohio.

The OVC will once again couple the golf outing with an educational seminar, where guest speakers speak on current topics and trends in the manufacturing industry. The combination has proved to be quite popular, as golfers have their day, but the educational program offers another dimension.

The scheduled speakers are Dave Brambert of Fifth Wire Manufacturing, and Tim Moury and Marco Degasperi of Vericheck.

Dave Brambert has B2B communications experience dating back to the early 1980s, with deep roots in technology in the markets of networking, web infrastructure, software, machine vision, and machine tools. His experience in the machine tool market dates to 2003. For five years he owned and operated the technology integration company Gilbert Information Systems, doing network integration, web development and hosting, and network equipment testing. During his three-decade B2B media career, he launched and acquired brands and repositioned titles to better fit their home markets. With Fifth Wave Manufacturing, he brings to bear all of his technology and manufacturing background, combined with B2B product development and management.

Verichek Technical Services, Inc., is dedicated to serving the analytical needs of the metals industry by supplying metal analyzing spectrometers and servicing the equipment throughout the United States and Canada.

Be on the lookout for more information soon, for what is sure to be an equally fun and educational day for the Ohio Valley Chapter.

3 other chapter golf tourneys will soon follow, so plan accordingly

The New England Chapter has a firm date for its annual golf tournament (Sept. 9), but you can expect to see other dates posted soon for the Midwest and Southeast chapters.

The collective chapter golf tournaments bring together professionals from the wire and cable industry for a day of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Beyond the obvious attraction of golfing, the events serve as an excellent platform to build new connections, exchange knowledge, and strengthen existing relationships within the industry. Register online for tournament, sponsorship, and dinner-only participation: wai.configio.com.

In related chapter news, the New England Chapter has a firm date for its annual golf tournament (Sept. 9), but you can expect to see other dates posted soon for the Midwest and Southeast chapters.

The collective chapter golf tournaments bring together professionals from the wire and cable industry for a day of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Beyond the obvious attraction of golfing, the events serve as an excellent platform to build new connections, exchange knowledge, and strengthen existing relationships within the industry. Register online for tournament, sponsorship, and dinner-only participation: wai.configio.com.

For more details, contact WAI Member Services Manager Corey Flynn at tel. 203-453-2777, ext. 128, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Read more
Last modified on May 3, 2024

1st meeting held for the planning of WAI’s Global Continuous Casting Forum in 2025

The WAI planning committee for the Association’s Global Continuous Casting Forum—last held in 2019, met April 6 to discuss details for the event that will be held in conjunction with Interwire 2025 on May 12-15, 2015.

Taking part in the Committee, chaired by Chris Tucker of Encore Wire, were Richard Baker, Cableforce Consulting; Kurt Breischaft, SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS; John Hugens, Hugens Metallurgy & Combustion; Martin Lecours, Rio Tinto; Giuseppe Marcantoni, Properzi International; Juan Sanchez, Freeport McMoran; and Janusz Sekunda, Prysmian. Also part of the committee but not able to participate in the meeting were Patrick Slaughter, Southwire, and Florin Teglas, Nexans.

The committee discussed ways to improve the event, including educational content, networking or in the execution stage. It will continue to review the possibility of expanding the content and the number of total days. The consensus was that offering both an aluminum and a copper focus was appropriate, and that adding a plant tour would be a plus.

The committee discussed the need to solicit papers via a “call-for-papers” and by recruiting. The timeline for submission of abstracts is Oct. 3, with notifications by Nov. 7 and papers submitted by a deadline of Feb. 13, 2025. A call for papers was distributed at the wire 2024 show in Düsseldorf and will be shared at the Wire Expo event in June as well as in the WJI.

 

Read more
Last modified on May 3, 2024

WAI launches Interwire 2025 with a very strong showing on April 4 Points Meeting

On April 4, WAI volunteers and staff joined forces at the Points Meeting for the initial allocation of exhibitor booth space for the 2025 Interwire Trade Exposition, which will be held on May 13-15, 2025, in Atlanta.

The Points Meeting is important because it is used to decide where booths will be placed based on a formula that uses the number of years of participation and the size of booth. A total of 118 companies took part in the Points Meeting that was held online at the WAI’s office in Madison, Connecticut. By the end of the day, 64,000 sq ft of exhibit space was reserved.

The team that managed the process included volunteers Erik Macs of Wire & Plastic Machinery; Harish Panchal, consultant; Joe Snee of Joe Snee Associates; and John Zachow of Davis-Standard. WAI staff representative included the sales team of Anna Bzowski and Shannon Timme; Corey Flynn, manager of member services; Chuck Szymaszek, director of technology; and Sheila Kuever, controller.

Also there was WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll, who said that the smoothly run kick-off bodes well for Interwire, which requires extensive planning in many stages. “I am grateful to the entire team for their efforts. The process works well, and during it a lot of elements have to be addressed so that when attendees walk the show floor next year, all is right.”

Fetteroll, who served as an observer during the day-long meeting, said that the results for the kick-off were inspiring. “It’s hard to appreciate just how widespread and committed the industry support is for Interwire. Of the 118 exhibitors that reserved floor space, 110 had participated in previous shows, with many having done so since the event was launched in 1981.

Read more
Last modified on May 3, 2024

WAI to debut groundbreaking industry training module at Wire Expo 2024

In a launch that may be as innovative for the WAI’s technical mission as the introduction of multi-wire drawing systems, the Wire Association International will debut its new online training and professional development program at the WAI Resource Center during the upcoming Wire Expo.

WAI will premiere its first video, “Introduction to Ferrous Metallurgy,” from the initial module titled “Fundamentals of Ferrous Metallurgy.” The videos are currently undergoing production, promising a captivating learning experience unmatched in the industry. What makes them innovative is that the online training incorporates animation with actual shop floor footage and includes interactive knowledge checks throughout.

The videos are being produced through a WAI partnership with a motion designer company and will be thoroughly vetted by industry veterans. Plans call for multiple modules to be produced each year. The first one, to be shown at Wire Expo, is a snippet, but it will be substantial enough for viewers to sense its potential, a taste of what is to come.

“WAI is poised to revolutionize professional development in our industry,” said WAI President Daniel Blais of Prysmian. “We anticipate the modules will serve as an unparalleled educational resource, empowering employees with the knowledge and skills essential for success.”

The full module, slated for release later this year, will also mark the launch of WAI’s new learning management system. This state-of-the-art platform is designed to provide comprehensive educational content and interactive features, catering to the diverse needs of professionals.

“Our commitment to excellence shines through in this initiative, reinforcing WAI’s mission to foster knowledge, collaboration, and growth within the Association’s global network,” said WAI’s Executive Director Steve Fetteroll.

Wire Expo attendees are encouraged to stop by the WAI Resource Center to learn more about the program, see the preview of the first video and share their thoughts.

Read more
Last modified on May 3, 2024

It’s getting to be that time!

It’s never too early to make time to hit a bucket or two of golf balls to get in the mindset for WAI Chapter golf tournaments. As of this time, only the New England Chapter has a firm date (Sept. 9), but this section will have more details in future issues.

The collective chapter golf tournaments bring together professionals from the wire and cable industry for a day of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Beyond the obvious attraction of golfing, the events serve as an excellent platform to build new connections, exchange knowledge, and strengthen existing relationships within the industry.

Beyond that, the tournaments serve another purpose, and it’s an important one: they support the chapters that have college scholarship programs, so get out there and hit a few buckets. Until then, below are some photos from 2023.

Read more
Last modified on April 4, 2024

Markowski returns to WAI, will lead Association’s educational mission

John Markowski has returned to the Wire Association International in the newly created position of project manager of education that will play a crucial role in meeting the organization’s commitment to advancing industry knowledge and professional development.

“We’re thrilled to have John back with us,” said WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll, who noted that Markowski, the former manager of membership and social media, has a distinguished track record. He now will oversee the development of a robust training and development program geared towards empowering members with essential skills and knowledge.

“I’m on the lookout for experts to help us craft engaging and informative training modules,” Markowski said. “If you’re knowledgeable about wire and cable manufacturing, machinery operation, quality control, or any other relevant area, and are willing to share your knowledge with the industry, I want to hear from you!”

Markowski will help implement a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS), a strategic initiative to revolutionize how educational content is delivered within the wire and cable manufacturing industry. He will focus on enhancing WAI’s educational offerings so they provide learning programs—mostly video—that directly apply to the shop floor. They will present the “how’s” and “why’s” of production processes.

Markowski will be involved in other ongoing initiatives, including the upcoming Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course at Wire Expo 2024. An Eagle Scout, he joined WAI as an intern in 2018 while attending Albertus Magnus College. He soon became a marketing associate, then two years later became manager of membership and social media. He left WAI in July 2023 and recently returned.

Read more

Update: WAI has new date for Interwire Points Meeting: April 4

The WAI has rescheduled the date for the Points Meeting for Interwire 2025 to allow for greater participation. The date has been shifted from March 21 to April 4, which will provide more time for exhibitors to be able to take part.

Exhibitor representatives get to pick first in order of their accumulated points from past participation. The booths will be assigned by WAI staff. Later, other companies wanting to exhibit can seek a booth by either going directly to the event website, interwire25.com, or contacting WAI Sales Director Shannon Timme.

Read more
Last modified on March 7, 2024

Wire Link Scholar named

Avery Caraker, a process engineering technician at the Du Quoin, Illinois, plant of the Prysmian Group, is the 2024 Wire Link Traveling Scholarship winner. Caraker, who joined Prysmian as an intern in 2021, accepted his current job in 2022 and has completed his degree in electrical engineering. He also is a member of the Illinois Army National Guard. The two-week award program will see him attend wire Düsseldorf and provide a report for WJI’s June issue.

Read more
Last modified on March 7, 2024

New England Chapter celebrates its continuing success at its annual meeting

Members of the WAI’s New England Chapter, the Association’s first founded and largest chapter, were treated to a stirring speech about manufacturing in Connecticut, hear about its 2023 activities and more at its annual dinner on Jan. 25 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Following a reception where members got to meet up with their chapter colleagues, the event started with outgoing 2023 Chapter President Jessica Foss, Electric Cable Compounds, Inc., welcoming attendees. She thanked all the chapter members who have volunteered for different programs as well as the companies that have pitched in, providing essential support.

For the 2024 meeting, that included Platinum Sponsors James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp and Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp., Gold Sponsors Carris Reels and Multi Cable Corp.; Silver Sponsors Conneaut Industries Inc., Flourogistx and Electric Cable Compounds Inc.; and the Bronze Sponsor was W. Gillies Technology. A special callout went to Lloyd & Bouvier for its generous $2,000 sponsorship for the event.

The new chapter president, Ryan Carbray, Alphagary, introduced the keynote speaker, but speaking at different points in the program, he covered a lot of ground. “The WAI New England Chapter board will continue to organize and support opportunities to bring this regional industry together and strengthen our fraternity,” he said, noting that it could not be done without the continued leadership and support from the chapter members. The other officers for 2024 are Vice President Michael Roussel, ExxonMobil, Annaliese Sviokla, Gem Gravure Co., and Thomas Rosen, Wire & Cable Consulting, LLC.

Carbray highlighted the chapter’s achievements in 2023, which include the continuation of the scholarship program and another successful golf tournament. In 2023, the chapter awarded six scholarships of $2,500 each. One of the 2024 chapter scholarships will go to either an intern or employee in the industry who is pursuing continued education at a college or university. He reminded attendees that applications for the 2024 scholarship must be sent by March 31.

Scholarship winners for 2023 were Kyle Albrinck, son of Alice Albrinck, Teknor Apex; Amarra Cruz, daughter of Luis Cruz, Times Microwave Systems; Katherine Fritz, daughter of James Fritz, Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure Group; William Goyette, son of Richard Goyette, MassMEP; Roma Kale, daughter of Rina Patel, Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure Group; and John Stecker, grandson of David Stecker, a WAI Past President.

Carbray also introduced the members of the newly elected 2024 Board. New members include David Fisher, James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; Thomas Rosen, Wire & Cable Consulting LLC; and Paula Butkevich, Hueson Corp. Re-elected/returning board members include Lori Parent, Cable Components Corp.; Jim Evans, Web Industries Inc.; and Jeff Lawrence, Custom Wire Products. Continuing board members include Jessica Foss, Annaliese Sviokala, Jon Mello, Cheryl Stewart, Joel Cacopardo, Mike Mathiasen, Michael Sarni and Michael Roussel.

Carbray also thanked the members who helped make the chapter’s fund-raising efforts a success. He also singled out fellow Board Member Jim Evans, who heads the Annual Golf Tournament Committee, for outstanding work. He then introduced the keynote speaker, Paul S. Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut, who had been mingling with the audience and remained there later, talking to attendees.

Lavoi talked about the biggest problem in the manufacturing industry being labor and finding people to work. He discussed alternative ways to strengthen the workforce such as collaborating with local schools to attract talent or offering flexible/shortened shifts to accommodate parents whose children take priority.

Up next for the New England Chapter is its annual golf tournament. Look here for more details on that, as well as a future educational program this year, or go to the chapter web page. 

Read more
Last modified on March 7, 2024

Call for WAI Chapter scholarship applicants

Members of WAI’s New England, Southeast, Midwest and Ohio Valley chapters do not have a lot more time to submit scholarship applications from their respective chapters: applications must be received by March 31.

For more details on applying or the requirements, contact WAI Member Services Manager Corey Flynn at tel. 203-453-2777, ext. 128, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Read more
Last modified on March 7, 2024

Keynote speakers named for Wire Expo 2024

  

Madison, Connecticut, USA – February 27, 2024 – The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. announces two Keynote Speakers for Wire Expo 2024, which will be held at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, Uncasville, CT, USA, June 11-12, 2024.

On June 11, H.O. Woltz III, Chairman, President, and CEO of Insteel, will deliver his Keynote Address “Success based on committing to continuous improvement and a passion for manufacturing.” Mr. Woltz will provide a status report on the challenges and opportunities facing the ferrous wire industry. He will draw from his 45 years in the industry including more than 30 years as CEO and numerous business cycles.

In addition, Mr. Woltz will be honored at Wire Expo as the 2024 recipient of the WAI Champion’s Award, which recognizes an industry executive for his support of the Wire Association and its mission.

On June 12, Keynote speaker Paul Furtado, COO, Prysmian North America will present “Elevating operations: Paving the way to manufacturing excellence.” His presentation will outline key elements of on-going efforts to optimize operational processes through the Prysmian Operating System (POS) approach, including how to build employee engagement and a culture of continuous improvement strategies in creating focus, transparency, and alignment throughout the organization. It will highlight specific tools such as strategy deployment and leverage internal systems an approach centered around core manufacturing principles and maximizing teams’ capabilities.

Commenting on the conference, WAI Executive Director Steven Fetteroll said “WAI is honored to have these executives involved to inspire each day of Wire Expo. Their individual messages on improvement and excellence are echoed in the rest of the conference program.”

For further details, visit website: www.wireexpo24.com and contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details.

WAI, founded in 1930, is a not-for-profit association with more than 2000 individual members in 50 countries. The association serves the educational needs of the wire and cable manufacturing industry through a variety of products and services. WAI manages the Interwire Trade Exhibition and Wire Expo and publishes the Wire Journal International and the Wire Journal International Reference Guide.

Media Contacts: Janice E. Swindells, Director Marketing & Corporate Communications, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel.: 001-203-453-2777, x. 117; Steven J. Fetteroll, Executive Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel.: 001-203-453-1777.

Read more
Last modified on March 7, 2024

Poland Chapter Seminar fares well, new award announced

The WAI Poland Chapter’s XI International Seminar, held Nov. 23-24, 2023, continued the chapter’s rich tradition of staging technical events, drawing more than 80 attendees from 25 countries. Attendees also heard about a new award named after one of the four listed founders of the chapter in 1997.

Chapter President Jan Pilarczyk said that the seminar, held at the MEALURGIA Hotel in Radomsko, saw hearty exchanges among participants. The attendees came from 25 companies, domestic and foreign.

The first day saw a memorable presentation by U.S. steel industry veteran Robert J. Glodowski, the 2002 winner of the WAI Mordica Award, who is now the principal of RJG Metallurgic LLC. His talk, The Evolving Technology of Steel Rod Manufacturing, was well received for the detail that it went into. That evening he was presented the Poland Chapter’s Professor Marian Schneider Award, which is the highest honor.

Pilarczyk noted that support from Glodowski, along with steel industry veteran Robert Shemenski, both winners of the Professor Marian Schneider Award, along with Eugeniusz Filipczyk, were instrumental in the Poland Chapter being created in 1997.

Of note, Glodowski’s presentation was translated into Polish by Piotr Milewski, of WireCo World Group, whose profile appears on the opposite page. Milewski also presented a paper the next day.

Also receiving the Professor Marian Schneider Award was Jan Krnáč, who made a presentation at the conference, Analysis of possibilities to improve the quality of drawn steel wires intended for the production of needles. The author and co-author of 14 publications and contributions to national and international conferences, including publications in foreign professional journals, Krnáč helped develop drawing technologies for new production equipment, using a holistic approach to achieve better technological properties.

The program included a panel discussion on the condition of the steel industry in the era of political and economic destabilization in the post-Covid period and in the face of war in Ukraine. The audience also heard about the creation of a new Poland Chapter award honoring the late Henryk Dawid, the 1957 founder of DAWID company, a producer of sieves and wire meshes. The idea came from his son, Jerzy Dawid, and Maciej Górak, the Chapter’s vice-president. The statuette has the WAI logo on the globe that emphasizes the global nature of the organization promoting the winners.

Henryk Dawid, who died March 29, 1999, at age 69, attended Interwire in Atlanta in 1997. Two years later, at Interwire 1999, the WAI Association’s Board of Directors approved the establishment of the Poland Chapter. In the application, Henryk and Jerzy Dawid were listed as two of the four founders, along with the late Prof. Bogdan Golis and Pilarczyk.

Read more
Last modified on February 4, 2024

Contact us

The Wire Association Int.

71 Bradley Road, Suite 9

Madison, CT 06443-2662

P: (203) 453-2777