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(PAWCATUCK, CONN.) – As part of a company-wide commitment to customer service and environmental sustainability, Davis-Standard’s manufacturing facility in Fulton, N.Y., recently attained ISO 14001 certification. This certification validates processes across the board, internally and externally, and serves as a benchmark for Davis-Standard’s ongoing pursuit of operational excellence, sustainable practices and process improvement. This is the third Davis-Standard facility to become ISO 14001 certified in addition to facilities in Finland and Switzerland. All of Davis-Standard’s global facilities are slated to become ISO 14001 certified by 2025.

“ISO 14001 certification directly aligns with our sustainability efforts concerning safety, quality and productivity to address customer needs while also strengthening internal practices,” said Giovanni Spitale, Davis-Standard CEO. “Every aspect of our business at all Davis-Standard facilities must support industry-wide quality standards in order to fulfill the value proposition we offer customers. This includes focusing on equipment development and manufacturing efforts that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and recyclability.”

At the core of ISO certification is the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This is achieved by enhancing customer fulfillment through an effective quality management system (www.iso.org). All issues are addressed at the source to support best practices.

Davis-Standard, LLC (www.davis-standard.com), headquartered in Pawcatuck, Conn., is a global leader in the design, development and distribution of extrusion and converting technology.

Last modified on June 30, 2023

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – IEWC is pleased to announce that it has become a member of Affiliated Distributors (AD). AD is an international organization with over 850 independent distributor members serving the US, Mexico, and Canada. AD recruits high-performing, independent distributors with a positive track record of ethical and financial stability, above-average growth, and a willingness to collaborate and share best practices with fellow members. 


By joining the $74.9 billion AD network, IEWC can take advantage of new opportunities to strengthen existing efforts for growth and innovation. Additionally, adding AD’s resources will support IEWC's efforts to expand into new and existing markets while deepening its connections with other independent distributors. This allows IEWC to gain valuable insights and increase responsiveness to industry trends.


Karen Baker, AD’s President of the Electrical-US Division, commented, "I am pleased to welcome IEWC, a strong independent distributor, to the family. We look forward to partnering with IEWC in the years ahead as they continue their track record of success while working closely to accelerate their impressive growth rate with AD and suppliers.”


“At IEWC, we are passionate about helping our customers be successful and grow,” said Pat Rislov, Chief Supply Chain Officer. “This partnership will allow IEWC to take the next step in continuing to develop our supplier partnerships while offering the opportunity to network within our industry. AD offers an ideal environment that advances our mission of being an entrusted partner to our suppliers and customers.”

 About IEWC - (www.iewc.com)

IEWC is a global distributor of wire and cable products, a manufacturer of custom fiber assemblies, and a provider of value-add solutions that advance a connected world. With 23 locations in 11 countries, IEWC serves a wide range of OEM and infrastructure customers, including sub-assemblers, installers, and contract manufacturers in multiple industries, including electric vehicles, automotive, telecom, data centers, industrial automation, aerospace & defense, and building systems.

Last modified on June 30, 2023

“There is an enormously growing demand for new application development in various Chinese key industries, such as automotive, life sciences and electronics,” states Andrew Lau, and adds: “Our new ADL addresses this trend with a significant investment aimed at responding to local market needs faster and with greater proximity to customers than ever, providing tailored high-performance material solutions.”

With a team of some 30 highly qualified and experienced scientists, engineers and technicians, the Shanghai ADL will be fully equipped to advance custom-tailored application developments using state-of-the-art Solvay technologies. An Innovation Workshop will coordinate the resources to accte the implementation of local solutions through world class simulation, prototyping and performance evaluation services, complemented by various dedicated process equipment, such as for 3D printing, extrusion and noise-vibration-harshness (NHV) improvements.

“The new ADL will follow a triple strategy focusing on local-for-local, global-for-local and local-for-global innovation,” explains Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux. “Unique facilities to support these efforts include a semiconductors clean room environment enabling high-purity and high-temperature testing, separation capabilities for hemodialysis and water filtration applications, and a functional and industrial coatings facility.”

Major local and global end markets expected to benefit from Solvay’s Shanghai based Application Development Lab will be automotive, new energy, life solutions and pharmacy, smart devices and semiconductors.

Last modified on June 4, 2023

WireCo©, a leading manufacturer of mission-critical wire rope, synthetic rope and netting, and electromechanical cable, has launched brand-new production of Made in the USA high-performance crane ropes.

A press release said that, for the first time, “customers can now purchase Casar and Oliveira brand ropes proudly made in America.” The launch culminates WireCo’s investment of some $30 million to deliver the same quality ropes that customers have acquired from facilities in Germany and Portugal that are now also produced in Sedalia, Missouri. The new ropes follow the exact same manufacturing and testing protocols, but local production means improved availability and quicker delivery for U.S. customers.

“Our Casar and Oliveira ropes have long enjoyed great recognition and loyalty to our U.S. customers, but production in Europe posed logistical challenges,” said WireCo CEO Keith White. “We strongly believe our ropes and our brands deserve to be made in America, and our investments back that up. We’ve never invested this much capital in one single project. That’s the power of Casar and Oliveira ropes.”

The $30 million investment completely transformed WireCo’s Sedalia facility into a high-performance crane rope center, but the company has also invested in other facilities across the United States to satisfy the growing demand for customers for domestically produced ropes. The company is looking to add more than 40 jobs to help support the initiative.

In March, WireCo showcased the new ropes and the scope of its Made-in-the-USA project at its booth at CONEXPO, which is America’s largest construction trade show, in Las Vegas.

Last modified on May 3, 2023

United Wire Company (UWC) has partnered with OEM FENN LLC to enable it to manufacture small wire sizes with exacting tolerances, such as medical grade stainless steel wire.

A press release said that UWC, a manufacturer of flat, square, and custom-shaped wire based in North Haven, Connecticut, saw demand for small wire that holds tight tolerances as well as the need for another supplier. “We reached out to FENN, a metal-forming machinery manufacturer based in East Berlin, Connecticut, and after collaborating with their team, they put together a custom two-stand wire flattening mill line to meet our specifications,” said UWC President Bob Swanson, Jr.

The line includes a horizontal spool payoff, two rolling mills, three dancers, a high-precision Turks head with motorized adjustment, a double drum capstan, and a traversing spool take-up. It can produce wire sizes as small as .005 in. x .010 in. and can hold a +/- 0.0001 in. tolerance. “With this new machinery, we will be able to support the medical industry, as well as supply smaller wire to spring and wire form manufacturers,” Swanson said. “Soon, we will offer 304 V and 316 LVM medical grades of stainless-steel product and precision layer wound packaging.”

Last modified on May 3, 2023

ETNA Products, Inc., has acquired the metalworking fluids line of JTM Products, which is based in Solon, Ohio.

A press release said that the deal will bolster ETNA’s business focus, which is based in organic growth and strategic acquisitions. “The JTM metalworking product line brings state of the art technology to ETNA as well as a world class distribution network,” said ETNA President Mike Washington. “We believe that these core competencies are a great fit with ETNA’s state of the art manufacturing and R&D center. We will continue to evaluate additional strategic acquisitions.”

The company fully intends to continue its expansion, ETNA CEO Catharine Golden noted that the company plans to break ground on phase two of its plant expansion this spring to accommodate future growth moves.

Established in 1943, ETNA Products, Inc., located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is a leading supplier of lubricants for nonferrous drawing and stamping.

Last modified on May 3, 2023

Southwire’s 12 for Life® is pleased to partner with the Independent Electrical Contractor’s (IEC) Atlanta and Georgia Chapters to provide a Skills-Based Electrical Installer Program to its students. 

12 for Life, a collaborative partnership that began between Southwire and Carroll County Schools in 2007, provides classroom instruction, on-the-job training, key work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. Through the program, students are motivated to stay in school, graduate and move ahead to become successful, productive members of the communities in which they live. Due to its growth and success in the west Georgia area, a second site for 12 for Life was added at Southwire’s campus in Florence in 2010.

Students who participate in the IEC Installer program will receive 36 hours of in-person, hands-on training that will prepare them to qualify for employment in an electrical wiring occupation after graduating from high school.

“This partnership is a practical way for us to connect electrical contractors with a trained workforce. According to IEC, there’s a need for at least 10,000 electricians across the United States, and many of those electricians are needed here in west Georgia,” said Joel Grubbs, 12 for Life site supervisor for Carroll County Schools. “Jobs in manufacturing may not be readily available when they graduate, so this training will give them an additional opportunity for employment.”

The certification program consists of nine days of training that are focused on interactive learning and includes hands-on activities. At completion of the training, each student will receive a course completion certificate, an OSHA 10 certification and a first aid card. Students will also qualify for the IEC’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program.

“The IEC’s Atlanta and Georgia Chapters are proud to work with Southwire and the Georgia Industry Foundation for Training (GIFT) to implement our Basic Skills Installer Training in the 12 for Life program through the Carroll County School System,” said Niel Dawson, executive director of IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters. “The program will provide ongoing basic skills training in the electrical field and expose them to a high-paying skilled trade that has the potential for a meaningful career. We look forward to this program continuing for years to come and the expansion of it in other school systems.”   

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers and an emerging influence in the electrical industry. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, components, contractor equipment and hand tools. For more on Southwire’s products, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit 
www.southwire.com.   

 

 

 

 

Last modified on May 3, 2023

Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE: OEC), a global specialty chemicals company, announced today it has received a Gold medal rating from EcoVadis, an independent organization that assesses the performance of companies in a wide range of sustainability areas.

Orion improved its score from the previous year, moving up from 72 to 77 points – just one point away from receiving a Platinum medal rating. The company is now in the 99th percentile of companies assessed by EcoVadis.

“The way Orion was able to jump five points in one year and reach the top 1% of companies shows how the many improvements we have made can add up to a big change,” Orion CEO Corning Painter said. “We are so close to Platinum now and will continue to strive for that goal as we deliver sustainable solutions to our customers.”

EcoVadis reviews companies’ performance in the areas of environment, ethics, sustainable procurement, overall sustainability governance, labor and human rights. The organization says it assesses more than 100,000 companies in over 200 industries in more than 175 countries.

Orion’s most recent sustainability initiatives have included installing control equipment at its U.S. plants that is substantially reducing emissions. The company is producing innovative products with pyrolysis oils from end-of-life tires and bio-circular feedstocks. Orion also plans to expand production of acetylene-based conducive additives for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.

About Orion Engineered Carbons
Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE: OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a solid form of carbon produced as powder or pellets.

Last modified on May 3, 2023

As part of a company-wide commitment to customer service and environmental sustainability, Davis-Standard’s manufacturing facility in Fulton, N.Y., recently attained ISO 14001 certification. This certification validates processes across the board, internally and externally, and serves as a benchmark for Davis-Standard’s ongoing pursuit of operational excellence, sustainable practices and process improvement. This is the third Davis-Standard facility to become ISO 14001 certified in addition to facilities in Finland and Switzerland. All of Davis-Standard’s global facilities are slated to become ISO 14001 certified by 2025.

“ISO 14001 certification directly aligns with our sustainability efforts concerning safety, quality and productivity to address customer needs while also strengthening internal practices,” said Giovanni Spitale, Davis-Standard CEO. “Every aspect of our business at all Davis-Standard facilities must support industry-wide quality standards in order to fulfill the value proposition we offer customers. This includes focusing on equipment development and manufacturing efforts that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and recyclability.”

At the core of ISO certification is the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This is achieved by enhancing customer fulfillment through an effective quality management system (www.iso.org). All issues are addressed at the source to support best practices.

Davis-Standard, LLC Davis-Standard, LLC (www.davis-standard.com), headquartered in Pawcatuck, Conn., is a global leader in the design, development and distribution of extrusion and converting technology.

Last modified on May 3, 2023

You have two more weeks to submit your Technical Paper Abstract for the 72nd annual IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum. Examples of topics range from manufacturing processes of copper and optical fiber cables, cable design, codes and standards, connectivity and assemblies, installation, materials, and more. View suggested topics and submission criteria at iwcs.org/present.

Last modified on April 6, 2023

Southwire Named Top Diversity Employer by DiversityJobs.com DEI, Recruiting Efforts Recognized Four Years in a Row

Carrollton, Ga. – March 13, 2023: For the fourth consecutive year, Southwire has been recognized as a Top Diversity Employer by DiversityJobs.com.

The mission of DiversityJobs is to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by creating a space for diversity-minded employers to engage the best and brightest diverse talent, and the company’s annual Top Diversity Employers list seeks to recognize organizations that are taking active steps to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“At Southwire, we value each of our team members — The People Behind the Power™ — and recognize the importance of diverse perspectives, beliefs, skill sets and ideas,” said Fernando Esquivel, executive vice president and Chief People & Culture Officer. “Our four key values are empowerment, trust, consistency and inclusion; to uphold these values and achieve our organizational goals, we must attract and retain diverse talent, embrace our differences and work together.”

Southwire is one of only 34 companies in the Manufacturing and R&D category to top the list in 2023. This achievement is made possible through the company’s ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts and inclusive recruitment practices, which combine to create a workplace where different backgrounds and perspectives support positive relationships and collective success.

“Being named a Top Diversity Employer aligns greatly with Southwire’s recruitment efforts, as we continue to mature and accelerate our DEI strategy,” said Sharita Spruill, director of Talent Acquisition. “Southwire continues to increase efforts to become an employer of choice through a variety of activities, including external partnerships, Giving Back, talent development and increasing investments within our Employee Resource Groups.”

Dating back to 2014, Southwire’s six Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) — Women’s Network, Spectrum, NEXTgen, T.E.A.M., Veterans Network and ALLIED — provide opportunities for team members to connect and drive Southwire’s DEI mission forward. This empowers the company to build a culture that recognizes and celebrates the value of diverse backgrounds, equity in opportunity and inclusivity in action.

“This recognition is a testament to Southwire’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Cara Herzog, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Our team members are the foundation of our culture, and we believe an inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens our ability to be generationally sustainable for the next 100 years and beyond.”

Last modified on April 6, 2023

Nuremberg – The restructuring plan of Leoni AG received the approval of the required majorities at a court meeting convened for this purpose. This sets the path for the restructuring plan to become legally binding.

The Nuremberg Restructuring Court has announced that the still required ruling will be issued on 21 June 2023. Leoni can then proceed with the implementation of the financial restructuring as planned. It provides for a strong strategic owner for the company, an investment company held by Stefan Pierer. Leoni will be substantially deleveraged and provided with fresh liquidity, financing is secured until end of 2026.

“With the restructuring plan, Leoni will sustainably return to financial stability and can continue its operational recovery in the coming years“, said Hans-Joachim Ziems, Speaker of the Executive Board and Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO).

The restructuring plan provides for substantial contributions from debt and equity holders. The financial restructuring only affects Leoni AG, and not its subsidiaries, their suppliers, customers and employees. The financial restructuring is implemented under the German Corporate Stabilization and Restructuring Act

Last modified on June 4, 2023

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