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New England golf tourney: a taste of normalcy

10/1/21  The story of the New England Chapter’s golf tournament was about the event, but more importantly for the 130 players, it was the ability to once again share an experience with their peers.

Kudos go to the winning team of Craig Watterson, FENN; Ryan Cutter, FENN; Harry Lindroth, CT Spring & Stamping; and Kevin Campion, FENN. They shot a blazing 59, 13 under par, to claim bragging rights. The year before, the team had come in second. “We had the drive to win. With everyone’s determination and positive attitude, we were able to go out there, have a good time and ultimately come out on top,” said FENN President Ryan Cutter. “We love coming to support WAI. The excellent weather, course conditions and company made for a great day of golf!”

The event also had the full complement of challenges, from the longest drive and closest-to-the-pin to the putting contest and the elusive $10,000 hole that, sadly, went unclaimed. The reception dinner was not the traditional sit-down affair, but it didn’t matter. Golfers agreed that the ability to return to the Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, and enjoy the experience had made it a special day. Chapter President John Accorsi thanked the sponsors for their support, which also made it possible to add to the scholarship fund.

Tee-Off Breakfast: Chase Wire & Cable Materials, Insulated Wire, James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp, Lloyd & Bouvier; Snacks & Beverages: Carris Reels Inc, Electric Cable Compounds; Lunch: Gem Gravure Co, Inc, James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp, Teknikor; Beer Glasses: James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp; Thomas Hooker Brewery Draft Trailer: Rainbow Rubber and Plastics; 19th Hole Reception: Amacoil Inc, Amaral Automation, Carris Reels Inc, Elkem Inc, Fenn LLC, Insulated Wire, James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp, Mossberg Associates Inc, Zumbach Electronics Corp; Corporate Hole: Accel International, American-Kuhne/Graham Engineering Corp, AVIENT Corporation, Carris Reels Inc, DeWal Industries (x2), EIS Wire & Cable, Elkem Inc, Fenn LLC, Fenton Group, Fluoropolymer Resources Inc, Gem Gravure Co Inc, GEON Performance Solutions, James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp (x4), Joe Snee Associates Inc, Lloyd & Bouvier, M. Holland Company, Mantec, Quabbin Wire & Cable Co Inc, RichardsApex Inc, Specialty Cable Corp, Teknikor, United Wire Company, Wire & Cable Consulting LLC, Wire & Cable Manufacturers Alliance, Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp; Raffle Tickets: Lloyd & Bouvier; Golf Carts: James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp; Driving Range: Fluorogistx; $10,000 Hole-in-One: Commission Brokers Inc; Putting Contest: Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp; Chipping Contest: AGC Chemicals Americas Inc; Long Putt: Amaral Automation, Delta Tecnic; Scoreboard: RichardsApex Inc; Scorecard: DeWal Industries; Long Drive: Carris Reels Inc, Central Wire Industries, Sikora International Corp; Accurate Drive: Electronic Drives & Controls, Gem Gravure Co Inc; Closest to the Pin: Central Wire Industries, The MGS Group; M. Holland Company, W Gillies Technologies LLC.

The return to the golf course was wonderful
In the time we live in today, it was wonderful for the WAI to be able to put on such an awesome event. We all know today that we have to adapt to change very quickly. This was one of those events that had to adapt quickly to changes. It was wonderful how all the golfers that came to the event were so willing to adapt. This event is one of my favorite I go to, as the networking that goes on is outstanding. I am so much looking forward to the next one. I would say that next year we have to have the 27 holes, as I can see this event getting even bigger next year. Jim Evans, Web Industries.


Remember when “pre-Covid” golf outing comments were “It was a beautiful day for golfing, networking and socializing,” or “the course was in superb condition and the greens were fast and true” or “that grilled chicken at the oasis was perfectly cooked, tender and delicious”? Well ... it was a beautiful day, the course was in great shape and that chicken was damn good. The only Covid reminder was the lite fare dinner buffet stationed outside. There was a perfect atmosphere for continuing conversations from the cocktail hour through dinner and the awards ceremony. I am already looking forward to next year when we have more players, a full dinner buffet, and obviously that oasis chicken. Mark Mathiasen, Mathiasen Machinery. 

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Last modified on October 1, 2021

Retirements, hiring/promotions and an obituary

10/1/21 

Kimberly Korbel, the long-time executive director of the American Wire Producers Association (AWPA), has retired after 37 years of service to the rod, wire and wire products industries. She joined AWPA staff in 1984, and in 1991 was promoted to executive director. After years of working at other association management firms, in 1999 she opened Amber Association Partners, LLC, with AWPA as one of its inaugural clients. She was lauded by AWPA President Brian Burr for her steady demeanor, including during trying industry periods, and her understanding of the industry. She served on the board of directors of the Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). She spoke on behalf of the industry to the International Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce, the Office of the US Trade Representative, and other agencies, and led members on lobbying visits of Congress. She is succeeded by Emily Bardach, who worked at AWPA with Korbel as the director of membership and meetings from 1998 to 2011. She has 25 years of association management experience. She works for AMPED Association Management, where since 2000 she has been the executive director for Women in Government Relations (WGR). She is well known as a relationship builder in Washington, DC, and is a certified association executive through ASAE. She holds a degree in psychology from Wittenberg University. Continuing as director of meetings and membership is Heather Outhuse, who has been with the AWPA since 2007. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, AWPA members include North American wire producers, manufacturers and distributors of wire rod, and suppliers of machinery, dies and equipment to the wire industry.

Proton Products Inc. has named Iain Heddle as technical support manager, responsible for leading technical support initiatives for customers and employees in the U.S. A key role will be providing customers with the support they need to build out Industry 4.0 Solutions. The California office, which also takes on the role of the service center, has been kitted out to provide all repair and calibration services for our range of products. With offices in the U.K. and USA, Proton Products is a leading manufacturer of instrumentation and control equipment for use in industrial production.

Xia Chafel has joined American Wire Group as vice president of procurement, responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing strategic sourcing strategy, managing material and services in the U.S. and internationally. She has a strong record of supply chain experience. Most recently, she was a supplier relationship manager in global procurement, where she developed two-way, mutually beneficial relationships between National Grid and its strategic supply partners to deliver greater levels of innovation that offer a competitive advantage. She previously worked for PerkinElmer, Rolls Royce and EMC. She holds a B.S. degree in economics from the Guangdong Foreign Trade Institute and an MBA from McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University. Based in Aventura, Florida, American Wire Group specializes in wire and cable products for renewable energy and electrical utilities.

Service Wire Co. has promoted Trish Weisberg to strategic sales manager, a new position. A third-generation Service Wire employee, she started out as a management trainee in 2019, and since 2020 had served as a strategic account sales manager and a materials manager. She holds a B.B.A. degree in real estate finance from Southern Methodist University, and an MBA from Rice University. Andy Martin has joined the company as a regional sales manager in the Phoenix sales office. He will be serving commercial and industrial distributors, contractors and engineers while working with manufacturers’ representatives in eight states. Past employers include Rexel USA, Main Electrical Supply Co. and Crescent Electric Supply Company. Based in Culloden, West Virginia, Service Wire Co. is a family-owned wire and cable manufacturer with a nation-wide network of distributors.


Obituary

Ali Shehab, the founder and president of U.K.-based Cimteq, died from cancer on Sept. 1, 2021, at the far-too early age of 51. 
In the 90s, Shehab worked for BIC Cables’ technology arm, where he developed the company’s manufacturing execution systems and production control systems. In 1998, he and his brother started Electronic Magic, which developed innovative products to aid consumers. He saw the need to help cable design engineers by removing tedious work, and from that he created CableBuilder, which was implemented in Draka Norsk Kabel in 2000. In 2005, the company name was changed to Cimteq, and the business continued to develop innovative solutions for the cable industry. In 2014, Cimteq released CableMES in cooperation with Wonderware, and in its first year the innovation won two awards from prestigious industrial bodies. In 2015, he was awarded Best Presentation of the 63rd IWCS International Cable & Connectivity Symposium.

Shehab’s passion for advanced cable manufacturing technology drove him to be a regular contributor to industry periodicals (including Wire Journal International) and blogs. He was also a frequent presenter at conferences, and had been a scheduled speaker for the Industry 4.0 program at Interwire 2021. He held a degree in electronics engineering from the University of Liverpool.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda, the company director, who herself is an industry veteran and former colleague, having worked as a manufacturing systems engineer for a decade for BIC Cables/Pirelli from 1991 to 2001, and is a past president of the International Wire Manufacturers Association.

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Last modified on October 1, 2021

Hitachi Cable plans to close Pensacola plant and shift production to Mexico

10/1/21 – Hitachi Cable has taken a step toward closing its plant in Pensacola, Florida, and moving those operations to Mexico.

Per a report in the Pensacola News Journal, Hitachi Cable has filed a notice with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to notify the state that it was closing its Pensacola manufacturing operations by the end of next March.

The company said in a statement that approximately 300 salaried and hourly workers will be affected by the plant’s closing. In the notice to the DEO, the company said 202 employees at the Pensacola plant would lose their jobs.

The plant on Ely Road was built in 1985 and was owned by Coupled Products Inc. until it was sold to Hitachi Cable America in 2008, according to county property records. The plant manufactures components and cables for anti-lock braking systems and hybrid vehicles.

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Last modified on October 1, 2021

Medicoil to expand Wisconsin location

10/1/21 – Medicoil, a division of R&L Spring Company, announced that it has broken ground for a 40,000-sq-ft expansion to its facility in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

A press release said that the new manufacturing space is scheduled for completion in early 2022 and will support their continued growth in the medical device market. “For the fourth time since 1997 we are again proud to expand our manufacturing business,” said company owner and President Scott Forsythe.

Per its website, Medicoil was formed in 1992, a division of R&L Spring Company, which began in 1972. It supplies precision springs and wireforms to a wide range of OEMs in powersports, automotive, medical, and other general industries markets. The Medicoil brand was established in 2000 to focus on opportunities in the medical market. It has preferred-supplier status among some of the world’s leading medical device companies for its prevision coiled and formed wire products that are used in components and subassemblies that go into implantable devices. Medicoil’s modern facilities include an ISO 7 (Class 10,000) Clean Room.

R&L Spring Company notes that it is a preferred source of OEMs for precision springs, rings, wireforms and four-slide components, plus secondary and finishing processes.

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Last modified on October 1, 2021

Nexans to acquire Latin American cable manufacturer from Mexico’s Xignux SA

10/1/21 – Nexans announced that it has entered into a share purchase agreement with Xignux SA of Mexico to acquire Centelsa, a premium cable maker in Latin America, for an undisclosed price.

A press release said that Centelsa, based in Colombia, produces cable for building and utilities applications. It was described as an “iconic world class cable maker,” with annual revenues of more than US$250 million and an enterprise value of US$225 million. The closing, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to take place in the first half of 2022.

The Centelsa acquisition “is fully aligned with (our) strategic ambition to become a pure electrification player,” said Nexans CEO Christopher Guérin. The addition will further contribute to Nexans’s ability to serve renewable projects in the Andean Region and enhance its capacity in building and energy distribution.

“This combination will be the stepstone to grow our best-in-class solutions and unique premium brand,” said Viakable-Centelsa CEO Sergio Valdes. “The Centelsa team has demonstrated, for more than six decades, professionalism in delivering high value to our customers. As a global player in energy transmission, Nexans is a great fit to lead the next phase of growth for Centelsa´s customers and employees. Jointly, there is a promising future ahead.”

Centelsa was cited as being the first cable manufacturer in Colombia. Per Centelsa’s website, the company’s origin traces back to 1955, when INCE Ltda (Industria Nacional de Conductores Eléctricos) started its operation in the city of Cali, manufacturing low-voltage cables as magnet wire for applications in motor winding. In 1961, Ceat General of Colombia S.A. was established through the merger with U.S.-based General Cable Corporation and Italy’s Ceat International. It expanded in 1980 with a second plant, then a third in 1993. In 1994, CENTELSA (Cables De Energia Y Telecomunicaciones S.A.) was formed by the merger of Ceat General De Colombia S.A., Facomec and Fadaltec S.A. In 2012, it became part of the Viakable, the cables division of Xignux, a Mexican industrial group.

Over the years, Centelsa won numerous awards and certifications. Today, it has a network of strategically located offices to cover the national and international market, thus offering an opportune service.

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Last modified on October 1, 2021

WAI’s Board of Directors cancels Interwire 2021; Industry 4.0 virtual conference set for Oct. 26-27, 2021

9/10/21 - The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. is the host of the biennial Interwire trade exposition and conference that historically draws visitors from 50 countries which include exhibitors, attendees, speakers, and sponsors.

The climbing Covid-19 counts and corresponding employee health and safety measures have led WAI’s Board of Directors to vote to cancel this year’s staging of Interwire, which was set to mark the 40th year since the show was introduced in Atlanta, Georgia.

Commenting on the difficult decision, 2021 WAI President Tom Heberling said, “It is our responsibility as the Interwire host to deliver a safe, fair, viable, and valuable event to all of our constituents. Unfortunately, having reviewed the data and the evolving factors that must affect the Interwire 2021 trade exposition and conference, the Board’s decision reflects the challenging operating environment facing all businesses.”

The Interwire event was well positioned to serve the wire and cable industry, which is experiencing significant capital investments and overall strong economic conditions. The exhibition, which included key machinery manufacturers and more than 200 suppliers, was anticipated by key buying groups to provide the essential face-to-face forum that has not been available due to the pandemic.

WAI’s Executive Director Steve Fetteroll commented “The Board of Directors devoted their expertise and considerable time to developing the first-ever Industry 4.0 Program that was set to stage at Interwire. The Industry 4.0 Program combined with the expansive exhibit was just what the industry needed. I regret that their key contributions along with the tremendous staff efforts will not be fully realized on the Interwire stage.”

In an effort to continue WAI’s educational mission and support the industry during this unprecedented period, the Association will host the Industry 4.0 conference virtually to serve its members and supporters. The conference will be held on October 26-27 along with WAI’s 91st Annual Convention.

For expediency, news of the new conference will be detailed at www. Interwire21.com.

The WAI leadership regrets that these international events have combined to force a change of direction at this late date. The Association remains grateful to its supporters. It is committed to the 2023 Interwire that will provide value to exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees, and partners alike.

The Wire Association International is a not-for-profit association with 1,800 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 Exposition and the WAI Operations Summit & 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.

                                                                                      

 

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Last modified on September 10, 2021

WAI New England Chapter issues 5 college scholarships for 2021

9/8/21 – The Association’s New England Chapter has chosen the five below students to each receive a 2021 scholarship of $2,500.

Ana Aguilar, the daughter of Alberto Aguilar, president of Carris Reels, will be attending Clemson. She plans to study business marketing.

Connor Hartline, the son of Christopher Hartline, vice president of operations at RichardsApex, will be attending Pennsylvania State University. He plans to study engineering.

Robert Mancinelli, the son of John Mancinelli, national sales manager at Conneaut Industries, Inc., will be attending Lehigh University IBE Honors Program. He plans to study mechanical engineering and finance.

Erik Person, the son of Kimberly Person, corporate accountant at Insulated Wire, Inc., will be attending SUNY Genesco. He plans to study adolescent education.

Indigo Zachow, the daughter of John Zachow, vice president of Davis-Standard, will be attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She plans to study graphic design.

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Last modified on September 8, 2021

Update your WAI Reference Guide listing!

9/8/21 – Companies can now either enter or update their company profiles for the 2022 edition of the Wire Journal International Reference Guide and WAI’s online Industry Search.
The new and updated entries, free, will be accepted until Nov. 30, 2021, for the printed publication. An instructional video on submitting a free listing is at
wirenet.org: (www.wirenet.org/industry-search-instructional-video)

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Last modified on September 8, 2021

Obituaries

9/8/21 -

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Ali Shehab, president of Cimteq, on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, following a battle with cancer.
Ali was a well-known and much-respected individual within the wire and cable industry, and we are certain that his friends and colleagues from across the industry will join the Cimteq family in mourning his loss and extending heartfelt sympathies to Ali's wife Amanda and his wider family. Ali founded Cimteq in 1998 and helped some of the world’s largest wire and cable manufacturers through his dedication, expert knowledge and desire to make a difference in the industry. Ali’s fascination with electricity and his passion for innovation was evident throughout his career. Alongside Amanda, Ali drove Cimteq forward, developing a business that has become one of the industry’s leading suppliers.
Ali will be sorely missed. Those wishing to pay their respects are invited to email their thoughts to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All messages will be warmly received and will be forwarded to Amanda. The family would prefer not to receive flowers but would rather a donation be made to RNLI (Royal National Lifeboad Institution) A JustGiving page has been set up in memory of Ali. https://www.justgiving.com/a-shehab

Albert “Al” Bavosi, a pioneer in the marking and coding field, died July 13 at age 78.
Bavosi was the co-founder and owner of Wachusett Marking Co., started in 1976, which was later sold to Gem Gravure in the early 2000s. The Massachusetts native was a Vietnam Veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force as a crew chief stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base in South Vietnam. He returned home to West Boylston, and in 1976, he and his uncle Joe Bacchiocchi and brother Donny started Wachusett Marking Company. He was known for exceptional mechanical skills and strong work ethic in developing and manufacturing metal-marking wheels. Thirty-three years later, he sold the company to a big competitor, Gem Gravure, but even after the sale he continued to work for the company until he retired a few years ago. Gem Gravure Executive Vice President Paul Gemelli said that Bavosi “was a terrific guy with a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor, and an outgoing personality. ... My father (the late David Gemelli) and Al always had a very close relationship. In particular, my father always respected Al for starting and building up his own business, and like everyone he just enjoyed being around him.”
Bavosi is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathleen Ann (Villnave) Bavosi; four children, Michele DeVillers, Amie Moore, Timothy Bavosi and Jennifer Cadwallader; a brother, Donald Bavosi; 11 grandchildren; and 13 nieces and nephews.

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Last modified on September 9, 2021

Promotions and retirements

9/8/21 - Molly Hackman has been promoted to new business development manager for Minnesota Wire & Cable. She joined the company five years ago, and has held several different positions, most recently as executive assistant to the president. She holds a degree in communications disorders from the University of Minnesota. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Minnesota Wire & Cable specializes in manufacturing wire for sectors that include medical, defense, aerospace and industrial.

Cimteq has promoted James Concannon from technical account manager to commercial account manager, responsible for the company’s European and U.K. sales regions. He joined the company in 2018, and previously worked for Thomson Reuters for more than five years as a client services manager and as the client liaison team lead. He also worked for more than five years for Avox Limited. He holds a degree from Yale College Wrexham. Based in Wrexham, U.K., Cimteq supplies software and services designed to help wire and cable manufacturers optimize their processes.

David Galas was promoted to president of OMCG Inc. He joined the company in 2019 as national sales manager. Prior to OMCG, he served most recently as a regional sales manager for WAFIOS Machinery for five years. Before that, he was a U.S. business development manager for Numalliance North America. Other employers included Pro-Tech Machine Tool, Inc., Ellison Technology and PCC Airfoils, SMP. He holds a B.S. degree in applied science in manufacturing engineering from Miami University. Part of Italy’s OMCG Srl, and based in Bensenville, Illinois, USA, OMCG Inc. supplies wire, tube and strip forming equipment.

Joe Guigli has been promoted to vice president, aftermarket sales–North America for Davis-Standard LLC. He has held various leadership roles in his 13 years with the company, including regional sales manager, inside aftermarket sales and product manager. He will build and manage an expanded aftermarket field sales team. Based in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Davis-Standard LLC is a global leader in extrusion and converting technology.

Steel industry veteran William “Bill” Jarae retired earlier this year after a career that spanned a half century. His career started at United States Steel Corporation (USS), where he worked for 16 years, holding quality department positions at its Gary Works in steelmaking, and was general supervisor for the bar mills, and the bar rod, wire and semi-finish product metallurgy group. At the USS Lorain Cuyahoga Works, he was the quality superintendent for the primary mills, billet conditioning and bar mills. He later became vice president of quality assurance, technology and customer technical services at Georgetown Steel, where he worked for 24 years. He then went to Charter Steel, where he served as a technical services engineer. His travels took him to many plants, including one in the Ukraine. The WAI Life Member (joined in 1986) authored multiple steelmaking and rod rolling chapters for the WAI Ferrous Wire Handbook, presented various technical papers and technical courses, helped update the Ferrous Wire Pocket Guide and moderated technical sessions and the Wire Fundamental Course. He served on the Board of Directors, the Education Committee and the Ferrous Wire Committee, which he also chaired. He was also active in ASM and AIST. Of note, Jarae was named the recipient of the 2021 WAI President’s Award.

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Last modified on September 9, 2021

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Madison, CT 06443-2662

P: (203) 453-2777