Insteel Industries, Inc., announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Insteel Wire Products Company, has acquired Engineered Wire Products, Inc. (EWP) for $70 million in an asset transaction subject to certain adjustments.

A press release said that Liberty sold EWP, a manufacturer of welded wire reinforcement products for use in nonresidential and residential construction, with primary manufacturing facilities located in Upper Sandusky and Warren, Ohio. The EWP plants have approximately 120 employees, who now work for Insteel. EWP, a subsidiary of Liberty Steel, is a manufacturer of welded wire reinforcement products for use in nonresidential and residential construction.

“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of EWP,” Insteel President and CEO H.O. Woltz III said in a statement that noted that the move will expand Insteel’s geographic footprint and bolster its competitive position in the Mid-west market. “The acquisition of EWP will enhance our customer service capabilities and drive down operating costs through operational synergies.”

 Insteel is the largest U.S. manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction applications. It manufactures PC strand and welded wire reinforcement, including engineered structural mesh, concrete pipe reinforcement and standard welded wire reinforcement. Headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Insteel operates 12 manufacturing facilities in the U.S.

Nexans announced that it has entered into an industrial partnership agreement with Italy’s Continuus-Properzi, a specialist in continuous casting technologies, that will build an innovative copper production and recycling plant at the Nexans site in Lens, France, for 2026.

A press release said that global demand for copper is continuing to increase, as is recycling, which led to the strategic decision. “Based on the operational expertise of the Nexans site, founded in 1971 in the industrial center of Lens, and the technological expertise of Continuus- Properzi, the objective is to continuously produce wire rod from recycled copper, through a state-of-the-art refining method using up to 100% of recycled metal, while optimizing water and energy consumption.”

Continuus-Properzi is a supplier of complete installations for the production of ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch) and FRHC (Fire Refined High Conductivity) wire rod. The Lens plant is the only copper rod foundry in France, and the investment of more than €90 million will increase its wire rod production capacity by over 50%, and boost its copper scrap recycling capacity to manage up to 80,000 metric tons per year.

“I feel extremely proud to have signed this strategic agreement with Nexans, a highly prestigious name in cable manufacturing,” said Continuus-Properzi President Giulio Properzi. “In compliance with the exacting requirements of Nexans engineering and the Lens site in particular, we have configured an installation that will meet the highest standards in years to come in terms of industrial performance, energy savings and environmental footprint.”

“By choosing to increase its recycling capacity, Nexans is proving that it is possible to reconcile industrial performance with the preservation of biodiversity,” said Nexans CEO Christopher Guérin. “Through this investment in (our) historic Lens plant, Nexans is ensuring its strategic independence and staying ahead of the raw materials crisis, serving its customers and partners.”

Nexans is already actively involved in cable recycling through Recycâbles, a joint venture set up with Suez in 2008. With this new initiative, the Group has become a key player in the circular economy of the European copper industry. Implemented for the first time in France, this process will help to create a circular model by collecting waste from different sectors of industry across France and reusing it virtuously for new finished products.

Nexans is vertically integrated, and the Group is entirely self-sufficient in terms of the copper supplies required for its entire cable production value chain. This key strategic advantage will be consolidated by the new plant, which will allow the Group to recycle more cables from construction sites or “urban mines.”

Nexans’ ambition is to adapt the life cycle of its products, reducing their carbon content, while also decreasing the carbon footprint of the cable industry as a whole. This investment is also part of the Group’s efforts to raise the proportion of recycled copper in its cables to 30% by 2030.

Direct Wire announced that it has begun first production of copper rod at a mill commissioned in a new facility it built opposite the company’s assembly plant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

“This facility marks a significant step forward in how we serve the copper market,” said Anthony Catoia, director of business development for Direct Wire’s Copper Division. “By producing oxygen-free copper rod with enhanced purity and conductivity, we’re positioned to meet the growing demand in industries that require superior copper performance, including energy and high-tech manufacturing.”

The Upcast Oy rod mill makes it possible for the company to provide new products—such as copper rod, stems and future products—for other wire and cable manufacturers as well as applications outside the industry, said Justin Dahl, marketing communications director. He noted that there are only a few U.S. producers of oxygen-free copper rod. It took about 18 months to build the plant and have the rod mill installed. Sizewise, it’s approximately 40,000 sq ft, nearly the same size as the assembly plant across the street. About 10 new employees were hired, and that number will likely grow as the process becomes optimized.

The new facility was described as a testament to Direct Wire’s focus on enhancing its capabilities while staying true to its founding principles. The copper rod mill will play a crucial role in serving not only existing clients but also expanding into new industries and markets, helping fuel growth for years to come.

“We’re really excited about where we are now,” Dahl said. Of note, the company’s new plant was designed to make it possible to add additional capacity. “It’s been built to be future proof,” he said.

The WAI Southeast Chapter hosted their 22nd annual golf tournament on Oct. 10 at the Rock Barn Country Club and Spa in Conover, North Carolina, on what everyone agreed was a near-perfect day. That backdrop was matched by the performance of the winning team of Harrison Cummings and Mark Finch, IWG-HPC; Darin Nicol, Wayne Wire Die Company; and Kelly Grigg, I.T. Consultant (SRHS), who shot an unworldly 16-under-par to claim top honors in a very competitive field.

Many of the 96 golfers were returning players who enjoy the setting and the chance to compete against a strong field in this scramble format. They played on the Tom Jackson course, recognized by Golf Digest on its list of “Best Places to Play,” and despite recent less-than-ideal weather, the course was in perfect shape.

Both the second- and third-place teams shot a 13 under, which led to a matching of cards to determine the official finishes. The official second-place winners were Jay Sweetenburg, Austin Duncan, Taylor Lane, and Steve Malott, all of Sonoco. Third-place winners were Brooke Stonesifer of Sonoco, Tom Heberling, Dylan Shepard and Gerald Galazin of Southwire.

It was also a very good day for Kim Earhart of TDC, who won both the putting contest, settling in a mere three inches away from a hole-in-one, and closest-to-the-pin contest.

WAI’s Steve Fetteroll and the Southeast Chapter Board are grateful for the outstanding support from the volunteers from Southwire Company: Denise Siathone, Lauren Bozeman and Jasmine Monet. Without their help, the tournament would be much more difficult to produce. They work great together as a team, troubleshooting and managing onsite execution so well that nobody realizes just how much they do.

For the record, the Process Control and CommScope team was competitive without their ace Tim McElhany but did not place. However, CommScope’s Jason Morrow did win a top driver in the raffle, which made the chapter’s scholarship fund a winner as well.

WAI’s four chapters that offer scholarship programs have reported the winners for 2024. Below are the names of the recipients from the New England Chapter and the Southeast Chapter, preceded by some comments from the chapters. Of note, scholarship fund raising efforts have found strong support over the years, and not just from members that have a potential recipient.   

Quabbin Wire’s Cheryl Stewart said that the New England Chapter members have continued to be very generous, enabling may scholarships to be awarded over the years. The chapter gives back through its different events, and seeing scholarships go to deserving relatives of members is a very positive result.

Sikora’s John Dognazzi said that he has been pleased with how generous the members of the Southeast Chapter (SEC) have been in their support of the scholarship program. “It was great to see increased participation in this year’s SEC golf tournament, and that resulted in more funding for the scholarships, which is a win-win.”

New England Chapter Winners - $2,500:

Erin Tonyali, the daughter of Koksal Tonyali, director, product development - trade and installers products business unit, Prysmian Group, attending The University of Connecticut, where she majors in biomedical engineering.

Ava LaRoss is the daughter of Michael LaRoss, CFO, Whitney Blake Company, is attending Vermont State University Castleton, where she majors in nursing.

Halen Barry, the son of Joseph Barry, COO, Protertial Cable America Inc., is attending The University of New Hampshire, where he majors in computer science with a focus in cybersecurity.

Southeast Chapter Winner - $1,800:

Meredith Hammontree, the daughter of Joe Hammontree, president, Temple Terrace Industries/Reelco, is attending Florida College, where she majors in biology. 

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. 

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.

• “I enjoyed the structure and presentation of the material. I learned a lot and the material kept me engaged.”
• “These videos represent a high quality and factually correct product that could certainly add value to the motivated learner in the wire industry.”
• “The videos have good production value and quality. The information is completely accurate. Concepts are taught simply and directly.”
• “Breaking down the subject matter into short, distinct videos focusing on each subtopic made the information much easier to understand.”

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.