New company listings for inclusion in the Wire Journal International Reference Guide will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2024, at WAI’s temporary website: wirenext.org. There, you can set your new login, click “Add Listing,” and follow the prompts.
If your company has an existing listing, your company contact will be notified via e-mail to create a new log-in and make updates on the new site.
Interwire 2025 has sold out and the excitement continues to build, promising a dynamic platform for exhibitors and attendees alike. The floor plan will soon be expanded to fit additional exhibitors, reflecting the robust demand that exists for in-person networking and showcasing technology.
Once again, Interwire will welcome a diverse array of international exhibitors, highlighting the global nature of the industry. Notable participation includes dozens of exhibitors from Turkey, India and China but also from Argentina and Indonesia ... both first-timers! Combined with a healthy showing from Europe, total country representation on the show floor is now at 24 countries. Attendees will see cutting-edge machinery and innovative technologies from around the world.
Interwire will embrace cultural diversity, innovative ideas and in-person engagement in the largest North American business event for the wire and cable industry. It is a must-attend event that will drive forward the momentum of global trade and collaboration. To enhance the experience, the show floor will feature engaging “activation areas” designed to captivate attendees. For instance, a global lounge will allow guests to indulge in culinary delights and drinks of different cultures while networking with industry peers, while “the Taste of the South” will present the local flare of southern hospitality.
The Wire Association International (WAI) has been preparing for the full launch of its new training and professional development platform in January 2025 with an air of anticipation and excitement.
The soft launch phase in October saw overwhelming positive feedback from key opinion leaders and early users, said WAI’s Education Project Manager John Markowski. “Everything we’ve seen reinforces our belief that this platform will fill a vital gap in the wire and cable industry.”
The development team has worked to ensure that the educational experience is not only comprehensive but engaging and interactive, setting a new standard for training in this sector, Markowski said. The platform feature includes 2D and 3D animated content that brings a modern touch to traditional training methods. “These visual elements make complex concepts easier to understand, marking a departure from the outdated presentations that have dominated the industry for so long.”
Markowski said that the approach has already captured attention. Recently, WAI released a promotional video that has been met with great enthusiasm. The video, which highlights key features of the platform, logged more than 1,600 views on LinkedIn, generating significant engagement from industry professionals. “The reach and reception of this promo are indicators that WAI’s vision is resonating well within the community, and there is much anticipation for the platform’s official launch,” he said, posting below a sprinkling of the early reviews.
Work on the video series saw Markowski visit Prysmian’s manufacturing plant in Claremont, North Carolina. There, he and subject expert Richard Chamberlain, a former Prysmian staffer, recorded footage of the extrusion processes that will be integrated into the lessons currently in production. This collaboration ensures that the training material reflects real-world applications, making it even more valuable for users.
The platform’s full launch in January 2025 will feature two WAI-produced courses: Introduction to Ferrous Metallurgy and Single Layer Extrusion Overview. In addition to these specialized courses, the platform will also include 12 general manufacturing safety courses from a third-party content provider, further broadening the scope of training available to users for the launch, as more WAI produced courses are created.
Companies that are interested in access to training or have questions regarding WAI’s educational offerings, can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 203-458-4044.
Tyler Faille has joined Hueson Wire & Cable as operations manager, responsible for the company’s production, quality, materials and facilities teams. He most recently worked for seven years for Winchester Interconnect (formerly C&M Corporation), where he served in various leadership roles, including as production manager. He holds a B.S. degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Earlier this year, Brian Harvie joined the company as vice president of technology, responsible for product engineering, quality and IT with a focus on digital transformation. He most recently worked for Proterial Cable America for nearly four years, and prior to that worked 21 years for TE Connectivity. He holds an MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Mark Reinbold has joined the company as an outside sales engineer, based out of the St. Louis region. He most recently was a territory manager for IEWC. He has 35 years of industry experience, starting out by designing wiring harnesses. He holds a B.S. degree in engineering from the University of Missouri. Based in Grafton, Massachusetts, Hueson Wire & Cable manufactures custom wire and cable solutions for multiple applications.
David Skaggs has been promoted to North America drawing market manager at BECHEM Lubrication Technology, LLC. In 2015 he joined the company where prior to his promotion he was a technical sales and applications engineer. He worked for eight years for Superior Essex, where he had served as a senior product engineer, engineering and maintenance manager and a manufacturing manager. Prior to that he worked 11 years for Reelcraft Industries, Inc., in a range of engineering and managing positions. Based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and part of Germany’s Carl Bechem GmbH, Bechem Lubrication Technology, LLC, supplies specialty lubricants and metal-working fluids.
Craig Wire Products reported two employee hires. Octavio Franco has joined the company as its sales agent for Mexico. He has been active in the industrial market, serving as procurement director for Potencia Industrial, where he has worked for 10 years in Mexico City. He also has five years of experience in related electrical insulation working for Kobaltec, a Mexican distributor. Lori Fridlin has joined the company as its magnet wire account manager. She will focus on the transformer markets in the U.S. and Canada. She has years of experience in the magnet wire industry, including nearly three years with Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire, where she was a national account manager. She holds a degree in business administration from the University of Missouri. Based in Douglasville, Georgia, Craig Wire Products manufactures magnet wire and copper wire.
Natalia Scherbakoff has been appointed chief technology officer for Orion. She most recently worked for Trinseo, a specialty materials company, where she served as the vice president of technology innovation, overseeing global research, development and technology innovation. Prior to Trinseo, she was vice president of research innovation & product lines at Plastic Omnium, a French automotive supplier, general manager of Specialty Composites and director of Global Innovation at Owens Corning. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees in macromolecular science from Case Western Reserve University, and a chemical engineering degree from Mauá Engineering University and an MBA from Getulio Vargas Foundation (Brazil). Based in Germany, Orion’s product lines include carbon black.
Georgetown Steel, once a premier U.S. steel wire rod producer, has continued to go through extended harsh times, with further cuts by its U.K. owners, Liberty Steel.
Per multiple media reports, some four months ago Liberty Steel cut 50 Georgetown positions, with a company spokesman cited as saying that staffing had dwindled to six workers. “We’re hoping to restart at some point when market conditions get better,” said Reace Smith, Liberty Steel’s head of communications and brand.
The Georgetown steel mill, which opened in 1969, was ranked as the 14th largest U.S. steel producer in 1981, and at one point had some 1,500 employees. The cyclical steel market was cruel at points, and it has seen a series of new owners. Those included the government of Kuwait in 1984, Bain Capital LLC in 1993, Mid-Coast Industries in 2002, the International Steel Group in 2004, India’s Lakshmi Mittal in 2005, ArcelorMittal in 2011 and the Liberty Steel Group in 2018.
Anti-dumping investigation to address steel wire rod from 3 countries
Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) has launched an anti-dumping duty investigation into steel wire rods originating from or exported by China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Per multiple media reports, a statement from MITI said that its probe follows a petition filed by Southern Steel Bhd, a domestic producer that alleged that imports from the countries were being sold at prices lower than domestic products. It also claims that the dumped imports have increased significantly causing material injury to the domestic industry, the ministry said.
The investigation was initiated under Section 20 of the Countervailing & Anti-Dumping Duties Act 1993 and Regulation 7 of the Countervailing & Anti-Dumping Duties Regulations 1994.
“A preliminary determination will be made within 120 days from the initiation date. If the preliminary determination is affirmative, the government will impose a provisional anti-dumping duty at the necessary rate to prevent further injury to the domestic industry,” the statement said.
Malaysian company orders multiple cable-laying vessels from a Dutch ship builder
OMS Group, a KKR-backed Malaysian subsea digital infrastructure company, has ordered multiple cable-laying vessels from Dutch maritime firm Royal IHC.
A statement from OMS said that the first of the new vessels is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027. The group did not disclose any financial details or the total number of vessels to be constructed.
Per Business Times, KKR invested US$400 million in OMS Group in October last year as part of its expansion in the digital infrastructure space in Southeast Asia. OMS is a portfolio company of KKR. In June, OMS said it secured US$292.5 million worth of loans from a group of financial institutions including HSBC, E-Sun Commercial Bank and SinoPac, with help from KKR.
U.S.-based WireCo, a global leader in synthetic and steel wire rope manufacturing, announced that one of its brands, Lankhorst Ropes, entered a strategic alliance with Sensor Technologies that has led to an innovative product designed to redefine industry standards and drive maritime operations into the future.
A press release said that Sureline Systems, the recently unveiled product from Sensor Technologies and Lankhorst Ropes, represents a leap forward in maritime technology. The pen-shaped Sureline sensor is installed in the core of the Lankhorst rope. Via an on-vessel display, it provides crews with the ability to precisely monitor the performance of each rope, including rope tension, rope angle, slew angle and peak loads, as it is being used. During mooring, Sureline allows the rope’s tension to be monitored and adjusted to ensure it remains within the safe working load. For towage, Sureline helps the tug master avoid over-tensioning the tow line above their preset limit.
Lankhorst Ropes is part of WireCo WorldGroup, one of the world’s largest steel and synthetic fiber rope manufacturers. Founded in 1803, Lankhorst Ropes has over 200 years’ experience in the manufacture and supply of ropes for mooring and towing applications.
“We are excited to partner with Lankhorst Ropes in introducing this groundbreaking product to the maritime market,” said Sensor Technologies CEO Peter Farthing. “Our collaboration represents a synergy of innovation, expertise and shared vision. Together, we have created a solution that empowers maritime operators to achieve new levels of efficiency, safety and sustainability. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to driving progress and shaping the future of the maritime industry.”
Hengtong Cable Australia (HCA) will be supplying United Group, 45 km of flexible LV, 15 km of earth and 15 km of 33 kV cable, for its Stage 2 Western Downs BESS project. Queensland is an Australian state covering the continent’s northeast, with a coastline stretching nearly 7,000 km.
This project involves the installation of a 270 MW / 540 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the necessary high-voltage infrastructure to connect it to the grid at Neoen’s Western Downs Green Power Hub. The BESS will comprise 140 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and is anticipated to commence operations in 2026.
The United Group is currently working on Stage 1 of the Western Downs Battery, which is of the same capacity and is expected to be operational later this year. Once completed, both stages will operate in conjunction with Neoen’s 460 MWp Western Downs solar farm, facilitating the transmission of stored energy into the electricity network.
The Hengtong Group has 11 manufacturing facilities based in Europe, South America, South Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, with sales offices in more than 40 countries and regions around the world.
The UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) announced that it will support an investment in subsea HVDC cable manufacturer XLCC to develop a new world-leading factory in Hunterston in Scotland.
A press release said that the funding consists of an initial £20 million from the UKIB with an option to invest a further £67 million upon XLCC achieving specific development and funding milestones.
“The financing will help XLCC develop its factory in Hunterston, Scotland, which once completed will have capacity to produce thousands of km each year of leading edge HVDC cable,” the release said. The UKIB commitment is complemented by additional investment from existing and new investors. This is incremental to the funding of over £40 million raised by the company to date, to design the product, complete detailed design activities for the factory and to achieve full planning permission at the site.
“The project is firmly in line with the Bank’s twin missions to help tackle climate change and support regional and local economic growth,” the release said. Once complete the Hunterston factory will create around 900 permanent jobs including over 200 apprenticeships.
Ian Douglas, XLCC’s CEO, said that XLCC’s mission is to provide critical elements of the infrastructure that are essential to the energy transition and will reduce project costs to the benefit of the U.K. consumer.
XLCC’s already has its first order: four 3,800-km-long cables to connect solar and wind renewable power generation in the Sahara to the U.K. for the Xlinks Morocco-UK power project. “We look forward to delivering a factory of great local and international importance for HVDC subsea cable,” said XLCC Project Director Alan Mathers. “The U.K. will be positioned as a world leader in the green economy, with the site at Hunterston playing a key role in connecting cheap, green energy from renewables projects around the world.”
The Wire Association Int.
71 Bradley Road, Suite 9
Madison, CT 06443-2662
P: (203) 453-2777
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