At its recent Annual Meeting, the Wire Cable Manufacturers Alliance (WCMA) announced the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Career Award that will be honored this March at the 39th Annual Awards Dinner and Investiture Ceremony.

The winners are: Bob Allen, engineering manager, James Monroe Wire & Cable; Lenny Argentine, vice president sales & marketing, International Wire; Mike Canterino, vice president engineering, Fluoropolymer Resources; John Gross, publisher, The Copper Journal; Trent Hayes, Engineering Manager, CommScope; Hamid Haophsy, vice president manufacturing, Fisk Alloy Wire; Joe Iamartino, vice president of technology, Marmon Electrical; and David Kiddoo, CEO, IWCS/CCCA.

The Dec. 3 Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon saw 120 members and guests meet at the Downtown Hartford Marriott. Keynote Speaker John Traynor, president of Cambridge Trust Wealth Management, shared his thoughts on current economic, political, and manufacturing topics. It was preceded by a Young Professional Panel Session entitled “The Next Generation’s Perspective - How to Succeed in the Wire & Cable Industry.” See p. 54.

WCMA Executive Director Ed Fenton said the organization has continued to do well, allowing it to increased the amount it contributes to more than $21,000 to charity (UCONN Foundation and Toys for Tots) and scholarship programs (WAI, IWCS, and Copper Club) on behalf of the membership. James Monroe Wire & Cable, International Wire, Gem Gravure and Chase Corp. were recognized for their generous donations; Carlie Crawford, director of laboratory services at Marmon Innovation & Technology Group, was presented with the 2024 Young Professionals Award; and Chris Venice, Marmon IEI, was recognized for his services as association president; and Greg Smith, president & CEO of International Wire, was recognized for his service as a Board Director.

The 2025 officers include Shane Berry, Service Wire Co., president; Peter Moran, Marmon IEI, vice president; and. Cheryl Stewart, secretary/treasurer. Ongoing directors include: Alberto Aguilar, president, Carris Reels; Tom Artinian, CEO, TiniFiber; Adam Chase, CEO (retired), Chase Corp.; John Dogazzi, managing director, Sikora International; Sue Welsh, Young Professionals Liaison, president (retired), Rubadue Wire; and new board member, Nate Schilberg, president & CFO of Prime Materials Recovery, Inc.

The 39th annual Awards Dinner and Ceremony will take place on March 29, 2025, in Hartford, Connecticut, at the Downtown Hartford Marriott Hotel. For more information about this event, visit www.wcmainc.org.

 SteelOrbis will hold its annual Rebar & Wire Rod Conference—the only steel-centered event held during the World of Concrete Expo—at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 20, 2025.

A press release said that the SteelOrbis conference has a new extended program that includes opportunities to network with colleagues, customers, suppliers and steel experts. Attendees can hear insightful views of distinguished speakers from the U.S. long steel industry regarding the main issues and latest trends in the market. The event will also include the presentation of the RWR Lifetime Achievement Award in Long Products.

The program is for steel producers, distributors, fabricators, traders, end-users, plant/equipment companies and logistics companies. The schedule, registration and other details are at www.atevent.steelorbis.com/en/rwr2025/

Italy’s Eurodraw Wire Equipment Srl announced that it has named Omega Americas LLC as its new representative for the North American market.

A press release said that Can Kocabalkanli of Omega America, has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, and will be the primary contact. “He will assist you with our company for any needs, such as product inquiries, order management, after-sales support, etc.”

Per Eurodraw, the company felt it was important to have localized representation in the United States to better serve customers there that could benefit from its equipment expertise. “We are confident that Can’s expertise and dedication will provide the high level of service and support you have come to expect from our company.”

Kocabalkanli can be contacted at tel. 443-808-9770
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Germany’s Leibinger report that it will expand its local presence for its coding and marking technology in Brazil through key initiatives that include partnerships with established distributors such as Qualijet in the Southeast and Norvac in the Northeast.

A press release said that the company will improve service delivery, product availability, and spare parts and its overall ability.  “By working with established distributors, leveraging a dedicated local team, and housing inventory in-country, Leibinger is enabling businesses to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and stay competitive in Brazil’s dynamic market.”

“Our mission extends beyond mere expansion,” said Cesar Denadai Rugero, Leibinger’s dedicated business development & channel manager for South America. “It’s about shaping a future where every package embodies precision and reliability. We are deeply committed to empowering Brazilian businesses with tailored, world-class solutions that meet their unique needs, while ensuring unparalleled support and service for our customers, both regionally and globally.”

Qualijet, headquartered in São Paulo, has been distributing Leibinger products for more than 15 years while Norvac is a new partner for the company.

Oman Aluminum Processing Industries SPC (OAPIL)— a subsidiary of Oman Cables Industry SAOG—has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indore Specialty Materials, that will enable it to manufacture high-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors.

A press release said that the agreement with Indore Specialty Materials, a subsidiary of India’s Indore Composite, will supply OAPIL with its proprietary EnergyCore composite core, in addition to offering technical support. EnergyCore, an advanced composite material developed by Indore, enhances HTLS conductor performance with superior thermal stability, lightweight properties, and exceptional strength—key qualities that contribute to higher efficiency and reliability in transmission lines. The EnergyCore-based ACER (Aluminum Conductor EnergyCore Reinforced) HTLS conductors will be integral in building a more sustainable power infrastructure for the Middle East and beyond.

This collaboration with Indore Specialty Materials will help us venture into advanced conductor manufacturing, while enabling utilities to enhance power grid capacity, reliability, and resilience,” said OAPIL Chief Strategy Officer Jehan Alagappan. “This investment also helps OAPIL to improve product diversification and create capability to produce high value -added products in Oman. We are happy to partner with Indore Specialty Materials to support energy transition and electrification efforts.”