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May 10 2021. Cerrowire® has named David Hawker as plant manager for its facility in Hartselle, Alabama. He has 34 years of management experience in the electrical products manufacturing sector, with leadership roles in the U.S. and Canada. He most recently was vice president and general manager of Nexans Energy Division (North America). His understanding of market drivers, technology capabilities and cost/financial implications in his previous role drove him to focus on factors that resulted in world-leading profit. A Canadian native, he holds a degree in applied science, with a specialty in mechanical engineering, from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. He also served as the 2017 president of the Wire Association International. Based in Hartselle, Alabama, with plants also in Georgia, Indiana, and Utah, Cerrowire manufactures copper wire for commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

RichardsApex, Inc., reported two promotions. Howard Luckey has been promoted to plant manager of its Philadelphia operation. He started with the company in 1984 and worked his way up through various positions. He most recently was shipping manager, where he ensured the efficient movement of materials throughout the manufacturing facility. Of note, he has been promoted to the same position that his brother, Robert “Bob” Luckey, had held before retiring several years ago. Several other Luckey family members have been and continue to be employed at RichardsApex, and Howard continues the family’s legacy of hard-working, dedicated employees. The company also promoted Janelle Gerardi to senior chemist within its R&D team. She was cited for critical contributions to development of next generation products. She joined the company in 2018. She previously worked for Johnson Matthey in the company’s precious metals division. She holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from Villanova University. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, RichardsApex, Inc., supplies lubricants, cleaners and coatings for the wire drawing and metal working industries.

David Ohmann is the new president of Wytech Industries. Prior to joining the company, he held sales and marketing leadership positions at Heraeus and MicroGroup (a TE Connectivity Company). He was cited for his extensive medical device background, engineering perspective and deep understanding of the complexities of the development of specialty wire. He holds an M.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. Based in Rahway, New Jersey, Wytech designs and manufactures complex components for medical devices that includes precision wire components and specialty core wires.

Last modified on May 10, 2021

May 7, 2021Obituaries

Tom Artinian has been named COO of the Performance Cable Systems and Materials Division of Hitachi Cable America Inc. (HCA), based in New Hampshire. He joined the company as executive vice president in 2020, and was a key contributor to the HCA executive team and a transformational leader. Prior to joining HCA, he served for two years as vice president of sales for Southwire Canada, and held key positions for 14 years at ECS Electrical Cable Supply Ltd., IEWC and EIS Inc. He holds a BBA degree in entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial studies from Johnson & Wales University. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Hitachi Cable America, Inc., is part of Japan’s Hitachi, Ltd., a multinational conglomerate whose products include copper and fiber optic cables.

Judd Wire, Inc., announced that Atsushi Shinchi has been promoted to company president. He is a graduate of KEIO University in Tokyo, where he studied mechanical engineering, and in 1995 began his career with the electronic wire division of Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI), which acquired Judd Wire in 1988. His domestic and international assignments were directed towards the growth and advancement of the division (SEIW) and its employees. His most recent role was general manager of SEIW’s manufacturing department. Based in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, USA, Judd Wire is a high technology wire company that specializes in the use of electron beam crosslinked thermosets for wire insulation.

Permanoid Ltd. reported multiple personnel news items. Oliver Hingston been appointed commercial director of Permanoid Ltd. He previously worked eight years for Clynder Cables Ltd. in Manchester, U.K., where he started out as a purchasing assistant and became managing director. He replaced Wayne Butler, who retired after working for the company for 34 years. Gary Taylor has been appointed technical manager. He has worked for Permanoid for almost twenty years, first as purchasing manager and latterly as operations manager. He had previously worked for BICC Cables as a process engineer in both the UK and North America. He has extensive knowledge of cable design, manufacturing processes and materials. David Clarke has been appointed operations manager. He was previously the technical manager, and prior to that, served as quality manager, where he had extensive experience in cable making. Based in Manchester, U.K., Permanoid Ltd. manufacturers a wide range of electrical wire and cables.

TiniFiber® has named Dion King as a strategic accounts representative for the South East Region. The RCDD-certified electrical engineer worked for more than 18 years with Corning in positions that included global commercial training manager with Corning’s Telecommunications Business Group. He previously worked as a communication systems engineer with Mayer Electric Supply Co., Inc. He holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Georgia State University. Based in Farmingdale, New York, USA, TiniFiber is a leading manufacturer of innovative, micro armored patented fiber optic cable solutions for diverse industry applications.

LLFlex has hired John Kay III as COO. He previously was president of The Morven Group, which provides operational support for manufacturing and distribution companies. Prior to that, he spent seven years as executive vice president of manufacturing and distribution for HVHC; and three years as vice president of operations for a division of Catalent Pharma Solutions. Earlier in his career, he was business unit project manager and plant manager, consumer packaging for Alcoa/Reynolds Metals. He holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the Virginia Military Institute, and an MBA in Operations Management & Finance from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, LLFlex’s product lines include cable armor, wraps and tapes.

Troester GmbH & Co. KG announced that Thomas Holzer has joined the company’s management board. In addition to Managing Partner and CEO Peter Schmidt and COO Bernd Pielsticker, he will share the management responsibility for engineering and sales in the future. He has comprehensive knowledge in the sale, engineering and project management of special machines, as well as proven management and leadership experience. He held management positions at the paper division of Voith, a German technology company, where he held management positions in Germany, Indonesia, Austria, and China. He was responsible for global projects as well as the service and spare parts business for many years. He studied process engineering in Munich, then business management in Reutlingen and in Michigan in the U.S. Based in Hannover, Germany, Troester GmbH & Co. KG’s product lines include systems for producing cores and jackets, rubber lines, rubber cables and CV systems for medium- and high-voltage cables.

Glen Clark has joined Service Wire Co. as a regional sales manager based at the corporate headquarters, where he will serve commercial and industrial distributors, contractors and engineers while working with manufacturers’ representatives in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Tony Holderby, the regional sales manager for the company’s wire and cable electrical distribution markets in 12 states, will now add Michigan to his territory. He has more than 25 years of experience with Service Wire, working in all areas of the company from distribution to sales and logistics. Also, Rodney Smith, who is now serving the wire and cable electrical distribution markets of Kentucky and Tennessee, will also be responsible for serving the commercial and industrial markets of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. He has more than 20 years of sales and management experience. Based in Culloden, West Virginia, USA, Service Wire Co. has three manufacturing and distribution facilities across the country.

After a career of more than 45 years, Harry Prunk has retired from the management board of Germany’s Sikora, where he was lauded for his key role in shaping the development of the company and success of its brand. He started with the company immediately after finishing his studies in electronics, and 11 years later, he was appointed managing director of Sikora. In 1981 he founded the first subsidiary, Sikora International Corp. in California, USA. Since transforming the company into Sikora AG in 2002, Prunk has been a member of the Management Board, which he chaired from 2011 to 2015, responsible for the sales, marketing and service. He was particularly involved in the internationalization of Sikora, which today has 14 subsidiaries and 300 employees. He plans to remain active in the industry.

Last modified on May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021Obituaries

Peter Maddin Power, a retired steel industry veteran who lived in Beaumont, Texas, died Feb. 3, 2021 at age 89. The Canadian native earned a B.S. degree from King’s College in Halifax and an engineering degree in metallurgy at Nova Scotia Technical College. In 1955, he worked for DOSCO Steel and was transferred to Toronto, Ontario in 1962. He later worked for Tree Island Steel in British Columbia. In 1970, he moved to Georgetown, South Carolina, to manage Andrews Wire Mill. His last stop was Beaumont, Texas, where he was superintendent of quality control at Georgetown Texas Steel, North Star Steel and Gerdau Ameristeel, where he worked for the remainder of his career. A WAI Life member, he retired in 2004 at age 73, and remained as a consultant with Gerdau Ameristeel until 2020.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hazel Power; two daughters, Katherine Wilhelm and Shena Power; two sons, Sean Power and Conor Power; and six grandchildren.

Sebastian “Sam” Pascarelle, who worked for the Wire Association for more than two decades, died Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford, at age 84. Pascarelle worked for the Association for over 20 years during the 1970s and 1980s until his retirement. As the Association’s convention planner, he was responsible for working with the companies that exhibited at the WAI’s trade shows, or who held seminars both within the United States and at international locations. His name and face were well known to anyone who needed help on the convention floor. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jacqueline Russo Pascarelle; a daughter, Sharon Pessin Aharon; a son, Sebastian Pascarelle, Jr.; a sister, Concetta Piscitelli; and five grandchildren.

Last modified on May 7, 2021

4/6/2021: Messe Düsseldorf has appointed Daniel Ryfisch as project director of the Global Portfolio wire, Tube & Flow Technologies, as part of a reorganization of the team in charge of its 15 trade fairs in six countries. He has experience in both international and national trade fair businesses. He started with Messe Düsseldorf as a trainee, and from 2008 he held the position of project manager for the worldwide satellites of the trade fairs wire, Tube and Metec in Russia, India, China and the UAE.

Since 2015, he was also in charge of wire and Tube on the operational level as deputy director. Last September, he became project director for the wire, Tube and VALVE WORLD EXPO events, and their international satellites in China, Thailand, Brazil, Russia and India. He will be responsible for both the strategic orientation of the trade fair themes and the expansion of the exhibition business abroad. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Cologne. He will continue to report to Global Portfolio Director Friedrich-Georg Kehrer, who will change his focus on developing new business in the fields of wire, Tube and Flow Technologies. Based in Düsseldorf, Germany, Messe Düsseldorf is one of the world’s leading organizers of trade shows, including wire Düsseldorf, the industry’s largest such event for the wire and cable industry.

Last modified on April 7, 2021


4/6/2021: Larry Lee Finney, an industry veteran whose passion for trouble-shooting production problems transcended his official retirement, died Feb. 28, 2021, at age 82.

Finney, who retired from the Prysmian Group, worked for more than four decades in the wire and cable industry. His career started in the 1960s as a machine operator at Anaconda. He worked at a number of different positions for different companies over the years. In 1966, the same year he got married, he got a call from Wendell Yeager asking him to help start up a plant in Tarboro, North Carolina, which he did. In 1988, he became a general foreman with Pirelli Cable in Abbeville, South Carolina. In 1993, he became a process engineer at the BICC Cable plant in Du Quoin, Illinois, where he stayed until 1998, when he returned to Abbeville for Pirelli. During his career, he traveled to many states and internationally to share his knowledge and help solve production problems. After his 2007 retirement, he worked for three more years as a contractor, although he continued to take calls for help well beyond that from many past co-workers.

He is survived by Karen Lea Donahoo Finney, his wife of 55 years; a son, Jason Finney; a daughter, Jennifer Leigh Donohoe; a brother, Bill Finney; a sister-in-law, Kathy Sweney; and five grandchildren: Taylor Donohoe, Chase Donohoe, Wilson Ehrhardt, Livingston Finney and Jameson Finney.

Last modified on April 7, 2021

4/6/2021: Eugene “Gino” Valentino Marozzi, Jr., who worked in the wire and cable industry for more than a half-century, died Feb. 17 at his family home in East Windsor, Connecticut, at age 76.

Marozzi worked for Rome Cable in New York; General Cable in Willimantic, Connecticut; was a co-owner of Communications Cable, Inc., in Manchester, Connecticut; and was most recently employed at Wire Tek Inc. in Bloomfield. He held a degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree from Syracuse University. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Marozzi; former wife, Lynn Marozzi; daughters Kristine Webb, Julia Garner, Nicole Marozzi and Tori Ash; and grandchildren Adam Webb, Morgan Webb, Jonathan Boushee and Tayla Lupacchino.

Last modified on April 7, 2021

4/6/2021: In honor of “Black History Month,” IWCS is proud to recognize a true American Hero and pioneer. We were truly blessed to have “Ace” Godwin as the leader of IWCS for over 30 years!

Elmer “Ace” Godwin was born July 10, 1920 in Smithfield, Virginia. He was educated in a one-room schoolhouse, called the Godwin School, which was built and supported by his family. Looking for a life other than working on the family farm, Godwin moved after high school to Sea Bright, New Jersey. He worked in various jobs, including building many of the jetties along the oceanfront.

World War II marked the beginning of many firsts for Godwin in his breaking of society’s racial barriers. He was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, the all black 332nd Fighter Squadron who became the country’s first black military airmen during segregation. While battling racism at home, the Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves by having the best record of safeguarding bombers flying missions from the U.K. Their achievements were fundamental to integrating the U.S. military. Stationed in Italy from 1943-1945, Godwin was a tower operator in charge of instructing pilots during takeoffs and landings. While there, he received the Good Conduct Medal and the Distinguished Unit Badge.

In September 2007, Godwin was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for his World War II service during a ceremony at the New Jersey Borough of Shrewsbury’s city hall. On Jan. 20, 2009, he was among 150 Tuskegee Airmen who were guests of President Barack Obama at his inauguration. He was also the first African American to join the board of governors at Monmouth Medical Center.

After the military, Godwin attended Monmouth College and Rutgers University, where he received his B.S. degree. Godwin then worked for 35 years as an electronics engineer for the Army’s Electronics Command Research and Development Laboratories at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, New Jersey. He was considered a leading international lecturer and authority on wire and cable engineering.

After retiring from the Fort in 1979, Godwin became CEO and Director of the IWCS. This group brought together government and industry representatives from around the world to develop wires and cables in military applications. Godwin was also owner of GEF Associates of Shrewsbury, New Jersey, an electronics engineering consulting firm. In 2002, IWCS endowed a scholarship in Godwin’s name at Rutgers University. The Elmer “Ace” Godwin scholarship is for qualified high school seniors and college students in need who want to enter the electronic or engineering field of telecommunication. To make a contribution, go to http://give.rutgers.edu/Godwin

Ace died Feb. 19, 2009, but his legacy continues.

Last modified on April 7, 2021

Industry veteran Thomas (Tom) Siedlarz, the principal of Plastic Equip LLC, of West Haven, Connecticut, died Feb. 3, 2021 in Yale New Haven Hospital due to Covid-19 at age 73.

Siedlarz worked at Wire Machinery Corporation of America, where he was a machine designer for about 10 years until the company closed around 1980. He then worked for Zumbach, and later became president of Unitek North America, Inc. He worked there from 1989 to 2008 when it was reorganized. That same year he started Plastic Equipment, an industry representation organization. He also worked for Amaral Automation Associates as a manufacturer’s representative from 2012 to 2013.

Siedlarz was a founding member of the WAI’s New England Chapter in 1994, and part of the original Interwire organizing committee in 1981. He was a fixture at Association events, both trade shows and chapter golf tournaments. He was also often at the Association’s Connecticut office, where he helped out at the Interwire and Wire Expo Points Meetings and the annual Clockwinding ceremony. He was known by many for his positive spirit and willingness to help out.

“It is very unfortunate that Tom has left us unexpectedly, but you can believe that his spirit will still be attending wire and cable events,” said John Rivers, Fluorogistx. He estimated that over the years, Tom logged thousands of hours of volunteer time. “I can’t remember Tom not attending a wire and cable event. He will be greatly missed.”

“The Association was extremely fortunate that Tom was a highly active and generous volunteer serving the organization and our industry,” said WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll. “His impact spans 40 years as he was instrumental in producing the first Interwire and remained highly engaged until his passing. Because of his generous spirit and that he lived nearby, the entire staff considered him a friend. He always found time to support our activities. His hundreds of friends in the industry will miss his warm presence.”

Siedlarz is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Bednarczyk Siedlarz; a daughter, Kristen Siedlarz; a son, Michael Siedlarz, a step-son, Stephen Lafex; a brother, Teddy (Willie) Siedlarz; and a niece, Lisa; and nephews Brian, Kevin and John.

Last modified on April 7, 2021

Delta Tecnic has appointed Lori Parent as the sales director in the U.S. market, a key appointment for the company’s growth strategy in the region. She will be responsible for the development of technology-based masterbatch and additives for wire and cable, and related industries in the U.S. and Canada under the Delta Tecnic brand.

She has more than 18 years of experience in sales and marketing of color masterbatch and additives in North America. Her background includes past positions at Brand-Rex, Teledyne Thermatics and JuddWire that gave her a wide industry scope. In 2007 she became the first woman to serve as president of the WAI’s New England Chapter, and she has held various board officer positions over 15 years with the Association, where she is currently chair of the Education Committee. She is a 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Career Award from the Wire and Cable Manufacturers Alliance (WCMA). In 2018, she was nominated by Plastics News as a “Woman Breaking the Mold.”

Based in Barcelona, Spain, Delta Tecnic specializes in production and distribution of color concentrates and raw materials for plastics, cables, inks, paints, and cosmetics. 

Last modified on April 7, 2021

4/5/2021:  The American Wire Group (AWG) has hired Nada Filipovic as marketing manager. She previously served for 15 years at Nexans in marketing and sales positions in the U.S. and Canada, working for utilities, EPCs and electrical distributors. She holds a B.A. degree in economics from McMaster University and an MBA in international business from Niagara University. Based in Miami, Florida, the American Wire Group specializes in wire and cable solutions for the utility and renewable energy markets. 

Last modified on April 7, 2021

Vandor Corporation announces the planned retirement this month of its president, Gerald Davis, who will continue on the board and as a consultant. A one-time professional musician who majored in alto saxophone at Ball State University and Fort Wayne Bible College, he started his career in the funeral industry in 1977 at Spartan Casket Shell in Lynn, Indiana, and quickly moved to Plant Superintendent, before taking a position with America’s oldest casket company JM Hutton in Richmond, Indiana. In 1989, the Elder family (owner group of Vandor) and Gerald co-founded Elder Davis, Inc., once the largest cloth covered burial and cremation casket manufacturer in North America. With the successful collaboration, after Elder Davis was sold, he transitioned to president of Vandor in 2000. While leading the Vandor R&D team, he developed over 50 utility patents, and created the Reel Options brand. Based in Richmond, Indiana, Reel Options manufactures light and medium duty reels for the wire and cable industry

Last modified on March 8, 2021

2/9/21 -- Ed Fenton, executive director of the Wire & Cable Manufacturers Alliance (WCMA) since 2005, has been named director, business development – cable OEMs for Ripley Tools, LLC. He will lead new business development and account management among metallic and fiber cable manufacturers. He has some 30 years of experience in electrical, electronic and fiber optic cable manufacturing. He was a co-founder and co-owner of the Wire & Cable Focus Conference and Exposition, which was sold in 1999 to IWCS. In 2005, he started the Fenton Group, consulting with specialty cable manufacturers, high temperature materials suppliers and component manufacturers. He was North American Business Manager for Wire & Cable publications by CRU International. He also was the owner of the Wire & Cable Clubs of America, which was the predecessor to WCMA. He also served for one year as vice president sales/marketing for Fluoropolymer Resources, Inc. He will continue in his leadership role at WCMA. He holds a degree in English from the University of Vermont. Based in Cromwell, Connecticut, Ripley Tools, LLC, is a manufacturer and global supplier of tools and test equipment for cable preparation and installation. 

Last modified on February 9, 2021

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