As the wire and cable industry evolves, so does WAI’s commitment to education. The Association’s online training platform, set to launch in January 2025, will offer a mix of Association produced courses and third-party content to meet diverse training needs.

“We’re incredibly excited about the breadth of content we’ll have available,” said John Markowski, WAI’s education project manager.” At the platform debut, WAI will offer three in-house-produced courses: Introduction to Ferrous Metallurgy, Single Layer Extrusion Overview and Extrusion Applications. These will be complemented by 12 general manufacturing safety courses from a third-party content provider, creating a robust library of resources.

The platform’s development is progressing rapidly. The goal is to complete an online version of the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course in 2025, Markowski said. “This course has long been a foundation of our training efforts and moving it online will allow us to reach even more people.”

 Steve Fetteroll, WAI’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “We want to ensure that professionals across the industry have access to the best training resources available. This platform is a direct response to the growing demand for flexible, high-quality educational content.”

To support the platform’s launch, WAI’s marketing team is developing an array of promotional materials, including a second video to showcase its features. Also, the Association will host an “open house” webinar on Jan. 29 (see opposite page).

Visit wirenet.org for more details as they will be updated there as the date approaches. Questions about the platform can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

In a short time, the WAI has made significant strides in its online learning and professional development platform.

WAI staff is in the process of developing content and building out the platform. It is set for a soft launch later this year, with a full release at the beginning of 2025. One of the first offerings will be an introductory course on Ferrous Metallurgy, which is already nearing completion, alongside 12 general manufacturing safety courses. Each one consists of short videos, none lasting more than five minutes. Each module includes knowledge checks throughout the videos. Upon completing a module, learners receive a certificate of completion.

If you are interested in knowing more about the program and receiving early access to the platform
during the soft launch phase, contact John Markowski, project manager, education, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or 203-458-4044.

Readers can expect to see more news about the video learning platform in this section in future issues.   

WAI has made significant headway with its innovative training and development initiative that is designed to enhance industry knowledge and skills through a structured and comprehensive approach.

Industry experts and staff have completed most of the first of five training modules. Each one consists of short videos, none lasting more than five minutes. Each module includes knowledge checks throughout the videos. Upon completing a module, learners receive a certificate of completion.

WAI is collaborating with a motion designer who specializes in manufacturing “explainer” videos. Each one will feature a blend of shop floor footage and animated segments that clarify complex concepts. Narration is done by a professional voiceover artist to ensure that the material is engaging and easy to follow. Each module is developed under the guidance of primary and secondary subject matter experts to ensure
the content is both accurate and relevant. The first four videos of the inaugural module, Ferrous Metallurgy, were showcased last month at Wire Expo 2024.

In parallel with content creation, WAI staff evaluated various learning management systems (LMS) to host the online training. WAI’s Education Committee has provided their input, and now it is advancing to the Executive Committee. The aim is to finalize the LMS selection by the end of July 2024. Key features being considered for the LMS include group enrollment and progress tracking, white-label access for large companies, the ability to host custom content, a user-friendly interface with Single Sign-On (SSO), and scalability to support future growth.

The Ferrous Metallurgy module is slated for completion by late summer/early fall 2024, along with the soft launch of the LMS. The second module, Single Layer Extrusion Overview, is expected to be ready by the end of 2024. n