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Yangtze expands Poland plant, starts optical fiber cable production in Mexico

Yangtze expands Poland plant, starts optical fiber cable production in Mexico

China’s Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) reports that it has expanded production at its Poland plant and started production at its expanded plant in Mexico.

A press release said that on July 12, the company’s expansion project was successfully completed, marked by the first reel of indoor cable rolling off the production line in the new workshop. Construction of the plant began in 2021 with the first reel of qualified outdoor cable produced in February 2022. Full capacity was reached in October 2022 and the subsidiary’s growth to a project to expand the plant’s indoor cable production in 2023. That project is wrapped up, and the plant’s current product mix is now more diversified and better able to cater to the European market’s demand.

YOFC also announced that operations commenced Aug. 8 at Yangtze Optics Mexico Cable S.A. de C.V. in Mexico’s Jalisco State, marking its first production facility in the nation. It said that this development represents a significant phase in YOFC’s international strategy and positions the company to capitalize on the growing demand for telecom infrastructure in Mexico for which it will supply fiber optic cables and solutions.

“We look forward to Yangtze Optics Mexico providing customers with the best solutions through its strong professional technology and high-quality product services, becoming the most trusted fiber optic cable supplier in the area,” said YOFC President and Executive Director Zhuang Dan.

YOFC notes that since 2014, it has embraced the national Belt and Road Initiative and embarked on “a relentless journey of internationalization.” Its products are now sold to more than 100 countries and regions

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Last modified on September 5, 2024

Hires and promotions

Paul Lorigan has joined Benvic USA as sales and technical director. He most recently was manager technology & laboratory services for M. Holland Company for nearly seven years, and prior to that worked for nine years as technical director of T&T Marketing, Inc., which was acquired by M. Holland in 2017. His industry career began in 1981, when he was a product development engineer for Anaconda Wire and Cable, followed by seven years at BP America Chemicals Company and nine years at AT Plastics. Based in Easton Pennsylvania, Benvic USA is a custom compound supplier for sectors that include the wire and cable industry.

John Maul has joined Vincent-Angel, Inc. as a business development and contractor salesman. He has years of experience in construction, and most recently worked for Ecolab. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Vincent-Angel, Inc., represents electrical manufacturers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Radix reported two recent hires. Matt McConnell is the company’s new DuraLife inside sales representative. He has more than 15 years of prior experience in the electrical industry. with strong expertise in lighting products and applications. He is customer focused and experienced in technical sales. He holds an associate’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and an associate’s degree in computer drafting and design. Diane Pinkey is a customer service representative for the company’s DuraLife Fire Protection Team. She has more than 15 years of prior experience in manufacturing and another 15 years of prior experience in retail. She has an associate’s degree in e-commerce/business management and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management at Cleveland State University. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Radix is a leading manufacturer of UL, CSA and factory-rated electrical wire and cable for high performance, extreme temperature applications.

Leigh-Ann Nalle was promoted to HR administrator at Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Inc. She joined the company in 2021 as an HR/payroll associate. She holds a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) issued by the Society for Human Resource Management. Based in Ware, Massachusetts, Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Inc., is a manufacturer of electronic cables for numerous industrial, commercial, audio/visual/lighting and general-purpose applications.

Alben Roland has been hired as a specification engineer at RSCC Wire & Cable, part of Marmon Electrical. His industry career started in 1992, when he was a design engineer at Trilogy Engineering Services for two years, then in that same role for two years with Belden Inc., followed by 20 years with General Cable, where he worked in multiple engineering leadership roles through 2017. He then held other positions at industry companies that included the TriCab Group and Winchester Interconnect. In 2023 he launched R&S Wire & Cable Consulting, working on projects that included new product development, quality troubleshooting and regulatory approvals. He holds a B.S. degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Mississippi State University. Based in East Granby, Connecticut, RSCC Wire & Cable, is a division of The Marmon Group, a manufacturer of high-performance power, instrumentation, control, specialty electronic and electrical cables.

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Midwest Chapter cancels golf event, Southeast event is on for October 10

The WAI’s Midwest Chapter has canceled its Sept. 30 golf tournament and plans are already underway for the event to return to the normal spring time slot in 2025.

The Southeast Chapter will be back at the Rock Barn Country Club & Spa in Conover, North Carolina, on Thursday, Oct. 10, for its tournament. Last year, 83 players took part in the chapter’s 22nd annual golf tournament. The winning TD Corp. team of Travis Card, William Godwin, Andrew Godwin and Paul Godwin finished at a very respectable 14 under par.

There’s still time to register at wirenet.org for either the tournament or dinner-only, and sponsorships.

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Last modified on September 5, 2024

This ‘split’ decision both favored the Ohio Valley Chapter’s Aug. 22 program

There were two winners at the Ohio Valley Chapter’s Aug. 22 event: one was for the annual golf tournament at the Kennsington Golf Club in Canfield, Ohio while the other was for a 12-round shoot off at a nearby gun range.

The winning golf team of Mark MacKimm, Rainbow Rubber & Plastics; Alex Lippincott, WCTI; Tim Gascoigne, G2 Materials; and Mike Dies, WCTI, shot 61, 10 under par, to grab top honors among the field of 44. The day was perfect for golf, and each player was given a ball from Steve Lebischak, president of Polara Golf, who spoke later about how and why his company’s Polara golf ball can self-correct and fly straight. That led to the chapter’s first most-accurate-drive contest for the first shot at the final hole, a par 5. Dave Rascati, Premier Wire Die, saw his ball jump off the club, correct its path and end up right on the rope just short of the 150 yard marker in the middle of the fairway. Rumor has it that he ordered five dozens balls.

Meanwhile, a small contingent, eight, spent two hours at the Training Range in nearby Austintown. It ended with an impromptu shoot off won by Brennan Mai from Hobart, using a gun borrowed from colleague Nick Heitkamps, who came in second (106-105).

“The gun range was a great networking event,” said Rick Bray, WAFIOS. “It was a great atmosphere. By the end of the morning we all had talked and joked together. I’m looking forward to shooting with the guys again next year. Without this event I may have never been met these gentlemen in the industry.”

Following both events, the educational program was held. Other presenters included Dave Brambert, president of Fifth Wave Manufacturing (AI in Manufacturing); Tim Moury, president/CEO of Vericheck Technical Services, and Technical Director Marco Degasperi (metal analyzing equipment and ISO17025 accredited training and services).

“I thought it was another great day with networking on the course and at the educational seminar,” said Stephen Wright, Blachford. “The speakers brought a wide range of knowledge that seemed to keep the audience engaged. For many people, this has become an annual event they look forward to every year.”

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Last modified on September 5, 2024

NEC’s Nov. 7 education event/dinner set

The WAI’s New England Chapter annual education event and networking dinner is set for Nov. 7 at the ACCEL International plant in Cheshire, Connecticut.

ACCEL will host a tour of the company’s wire-drawing plant from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. ACCEL has three vertically integrated factories in Connecticut and Indiana that make silver-plated, nickel-plated and tin-plated copper wire and copper alloys.

Following the tour, there will be a networking dinner at Viron Rondo Osrerio, which is also located in Cheshire. Tickets are $115 for chapter members and $130 for non members. Registration (vetted) can be made at www.wirenet.org.

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Last modified on September 5, 2024

WAI Education Committee volunteers are shaping the future of industry training

The WAI’s Education Committee plays a pivotal role in advancing the professional development and technical knowledge of industry professionals, and its role has never been more important as the focus is on delivering an ambitious program that serves a defined need.

The committee, comprised of a diverse group of experts, oversees the creation and implementation of innovative training programs that cater to the evolving needs of the wire and cable industry. Chaired by Matt Miles of Southwire, with Erik Perks of Prysmian as vice chair, the education committee is instrumental in driving WAI’s educational initiatives. The committee includes representatives from leading companies and institutions, bringing a wealth of expertise to the table.

Currently, the committee is overseeing the development of WAI’s new online training platform, which is set to revolutionize industry education. This platform offers a growing library of video content, meticulously curated to provide professionals with accessible, high-quality training materials. From foundational courses to advanced technical sessions, the platform is designed to meet the diverse needs of industry members.

The committee also actively collaborates on in-person events, such as the Advanced Extrusion Workshop. This hands-on session will offer participants a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of extrusion processes, further showcasing the committee’s commitment to comprehensive education.

In addition to Miles and Perks, committee members include Brad Andrews of Condat Corp., Donald Dodge of Calmont Wire & Cable, Joseph Domblesky of Marquette University, Jason Giebfried of Paramount Die Co., Tracy Gooding of Mar-Mac Wire Inc.,
C. Richard Gordon of C. Richard Gordon Consulting, David Gzesh of Blachford Corp., Erik Macs of Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp., Richard Medoff of Ace Metal Inc., Isaac Muller of American Wire Group and Donald Neville of RichardsApex Europe Ltd.

Also, Dale Olp of A-1 Wire Tech Inc., Brian Parsons of Interstate Wire Co. Inc., Svet Pavlovsky of Blachford Corp., Horace Pops of Horace Pops Consulting, Cristian Rangel of Encore Wire Corp., Christopher Reeve of Insteel Wire Products, Matthew Reinoehl of SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS, Eric Wagner of Charter Steel and Bhaskar Yalamanchili of Gerdau Long Steel North America.

The WAI Executive Committee Liaison is Kurt Breischaft of SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS and the staff liaison is John Markowski. To learn more about WAI’s education initiatives, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 203-458-4044.

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Last modified on September 5, 2024

WAI to present advanced extrusion workshop during Interwire 2025

The Wire Association International will present a new program—Advanced Extrusion Workshop—as part of the Association’s ever-evolving educational offerings at Interwire 2025.

Scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 9 am to noon, the exclusive workshop will be limited to 50 participants. The unique immersive learning experience is designed to build on the foundational extrusion principles introduced by Erik Macs of Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp during the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course on Monday.

The workshop will take place at Southwire’s campus in Carrollton, offering participants invaluable up-close learning with extrusion equipment, shifting from the traditional classroom setting to a more practical, equipment-focused environment. The workshop will feature breakout activities and group exercises, allowing participants to collaborate and apply concepts in a practical setting.

The session is not meant to be just a lecture but a dynamic learning experience. When participants return from Southwire they will go on organized group visits to key extrusion exhibitors on the Interwire show floor, where they can hear about the latest advances and engage directly with industry leaders.

The workshop will be co-taught by Rick Chamberlin, an extrusion veteran, Hawkins Consulting, LLC; and an expert from Southwire. They will ensure participants walk away with a deep understanding of advanced extrusion techniques and their practical applications.

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Interwire 2025 exhibit sales and conference planning is well underway

Madison, Connecticut, USA – August 7, 2024 – The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. reports that to date 90% of its available INTERWIRE 2025 exhibit space has been contracted by 200 companies. The exhibition will be staged in Hall A of the Georgia World Congress Center, and open to visitors May 13-15, 2025. Companies interested in exhibiting can view available space at the event website: Interwire25.com. Contact WAI’s sales department: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
• Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course. Leading off the conference, this full-day, essential primer on wire manufacturing processes will be held Monday, May 12, 2025. The course features a general track in the morning for all participants splitting into simultaneous ferrous and nonferrous tracks in the afternoon.

• Advanced Extrusion Workshop. WAI will debut this new dynamic program from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, that will build on the extrusion principles introduced in the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course. Presented by Rick Chamberlain and a co-instructor, the workshop is designed to take participants to the next level of understanding and application. The workshop, which is limited to 50 participants, will include breakout sessions to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. The workshop will also include visits to exhibitors to witness extrusion machinery in action.

• Global Continuous Casting Forum (GCCF). This, WAI’s fourth forum for copper and aluminum continuous casting, will run May 12-15, 2025 in conjunction with INTERWIRE. The GCCF registration will include an Opening Reception on Monday, lunch and coffee breaks, a group dinner on Wednesday, and time to explore the INTERWIRE exhibit floor.

WAI will offer sponsorship opportunities for both the GCCF and INTERWIRE; contact WAI’s education department This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and sales department This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., respectively for details.

EVENT BACKGROUND: Introduced in 1981, INTERWIRE is the largest and longest-running wire and cable marketplace in the Americas. Hosted biennially, INTERWIRE is an international trade event that includes exhibiting companies, speakers, and visitors from around the world. WAI, founded in 1930, is a not-for-profit association with more than 2,000 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 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 August 9, 2024

WAI prepares its fourth Global Continuous Casting Forum in conjunction with Interwire 2025

Madison, Connecticut, USA – Aug. 1, 2024 – The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. reports plans to host its fourth Global Continuous Casting Forum (GCCF) for copper and aluminum May 12-15, 2025, concurrently with INTERWIRE 2025 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

The conference provides a forum for academics, researchers, metallurgists, and professionals to meet and exchange innovative ideas and information on all aspects of continuous casting. A welcome reception is planned on Monday, May 12, as is an attendee dinner on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The Association is currently accepting abstracts for review, a process that remains open until the October 2, 2024, deadline. Submitted presentations should align with one of the following tracks: General; Copper; Aluminum; Lubrication & testing; or Automation & safety. Welcome topics include:

• Casting technologies
• Electrical energy
• Global copper & aluminum markets
• Cost-saving opportunities
• Filtration concepts
• Molten metal
• Combustion Systems
• Furnaces
• Degassing
• Metal flow
• Refractories
• Aluminum & Copper Alloys
• Sustainability

Abstracts should be submitted at: bit.ly/WAIabstracts by October 2, 2024. Accepted authors will be notified by November 7, 2024. Final manuscripts are due February 13, 2025.
Sponsorships are available with details at: https://www.interwire25.com/conference/castingforum

For questions or to secure a sponsorship contact: WAI’s Education Department | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Tel.: 203-458-4044.

WAI’s Global Continuous Casting Forum committee members include: Chairman Chris Tucker, Encore Wire; Richard Baker, Cableforce Consulting; Kurt Breischaft, SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS; John Hugens, Hugens Metallurgy & Combustion; Martin Lecours, Rio Tinto; Giuseppe Marcantoni, Properzi International Inc.; Juan Sanchez, Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold Inc.; Janusz Sekunda, Prysmian; Patrick Slaughter, Southwire Co.; Florin Teglas, Nexans; and Rob White, Hazelett Strip-Casting Corp.

WAI, founded in 1930, is a not-for-profit association with more than 2,000 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 Exhibition and 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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Recent hires, promotions and an obituary

Aaron Folkening was named president of Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure (IEI). He has a proven history of leadership of the company’s business unit, having been part of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company and parent company of Marmon IEI, since 2007. He has served as the vice president of finance for four groups, most recently serving within Marmon’s Electrical Group. He succeeds Chris Venice, who retired as president of Marmon IEI after 20 years. He will serve as a senior vice president for Marmon IEI, focusing on key strategic initiatives and remaining a trusted business advisor for the IEI team. Based in East Granby, Connecticut, Marmon IEI, a division of Marmon Electrical, offers a wide range of wire and cable products and solutions.

OmniCable, LLC, reported multiple recent additions to personnel. Jeremy Crosby is the company’s national account manager. He has more than eight years of experience in the electrical industry. He previously was the regional sales manager at nVent Hoffman, and previously ran several CED locations in the Southeast. New appointments for the company’s Communications Business Unit include Todd Rhen, vice president of broadband sales, who is responsible for a team consisting of both outside and inside sales personnel. He has more than 26 years of industry experience, most recently as senior vice president of sales at Comstar Supply for nearly 10 years. He also held similar sales and leadership roles at Graybar, Prysmian, Draka and Alcatel. Steven Scudder joins OmniCable as outside sales manager – broadband. He held senior sales roles with OFS, Prysmian, Superior Essex and American Polywater, among others. Lacy Worn is a key account manager – enterprise. He has over 20 years of experience as a sales leader and contributor at Wesco/CSC. He will support the company’s southern region. Based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, OmniCable LLC is a redistributor selling wire, cable, fiber, and other communications and electrical products exclusively to distributors.

Brad Comstock has been promoted to sales manager for International Wire, High Performance Conductors Division. He joined the company in 2011 as a sales representative for its bare wire division. Based in Inman, South Carolina, the International Wire Group’s High Performance Conductors Division produces specialty high performance conductors for the aerospace, medical, automotive, computer, telecommunications, mass transportation, geophysical and electronics markets.

Obituary
Joseph (Joe/Fuzzy) Frederick Pistell, a longtime employee of R.H. Miller, died at age 91 at his home in Cortland, New York. Pistell earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Syracuse University. He worked as a chemical engineer and sales manager for R.H. Miller, Pennwalt Corporation, for more than 30 years. During his tenure there he developed three products that were patented. He also served for a short time in the U.S. Army and then in the National Guard for eight years. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends, especially his best friend of more than 80 years, Harold Miller. He is survived by his sons Joseph and Lee Pistell, a step-daughter, and three great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, René, and daughter, Laura.

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Madison, CT 06443-2662

P: (203) 453-2777