Direct Wire makes major investment, joins the small list of U.S. copper rod producers

Direct Wire now produces copper rod at its new mill in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The 40,000-square-foot facility sits directly across from its assembly plant. Together, these sites significantly expand the companyโ€™s U.S. manufacturing footprint.

โ€œThis facility marks a big step in how we serve the copper market,โ€ said Anthony Catoia, Director of Business Development for Direct Wireโ€™s Copper Division. โ€œBy producing oxygen-free copper rod with greater purity and conductivity, we can meet rising demand in energy, electronics, and high-tech manufacturing.โ€

The team spent about 18 months planning, building, and equipping the plant. Now, the facility runs an advanced Upcast Oy rod mill, one of only a few in the U.S. As a result, Direct Wire can supply oxygen-free copper rods, stems, and future specialized products.

Moreover, these materials support both wire and cable manufacturers and customers in other industries. Justin Dahl, Marketing Communications Director, noted that very few domestic producers offer oxygen-free copper at this level. Therefore, the new mill strengthens Direct Wireโ€™s position in a niche but growing market.

The expansion created 10 new jobs in Lancaster, with more positions planned as production scales up. Direct Wire built the facility to grow over time, allowing space for additional capacity and future technology upgrades.

โ€œWeโ€™re excited about the direction weโ€™re heading,โ€ Dahl said. โ€œThe new plant was built to adapt and keep pace with customer demand.โ€

The new mill strengthens Direct Wireโ€™s commitment to quality, innovation, and American manufacturing. Its advanced setup allows the company to serve existing customers while branching into new industries.

The company designed the facility for flexibility and longโ€‘term sustainability. With this expansion, Direct Wire aims to supply the connective materials essential for the next generation of industrial and energy infrastructure.

Mark Marselli
Author: Mark Marselli

Share
Subscribe to the Wire Journal

Wire Journal International (WJI) is the leading technical publication for the wire and cable industry.

Published monthly, WJI is written for executives, engineers, technical and sales professionals, and purchasing agents engaged in the manufacture of ferrous and nonferrous wire and cable.

WJI Feature Stories

See a preview of the most recent Wire Journal International feature. Subscribe to the FREE publication to read the entire issue.

Related Stories