Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (Pty) Ltd (YOA Cable) reports that it has solidified its position as the largest optical fiber manufacturer in Africa by a significant expansion investment of its manufacturing facility at the Dube Trade Port in KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal South African province.

A press release said that, working with other strategic partners, YOA Cable can now supply locally produced polyethylene product used in the manufacturing of optical fiber cable in South Africa, the first such local delivery in more than 20 years. The growth initiative will enable YOA Cable to tap into new opportunities beyond South Africa, including neighboring countries where it has previously seen success, and further enhance efforts to contribute towards the country’s skills development efforts in this highly specialized sector. 

Southwire held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 9 to celebrate the opening at the company’s new facility in Youngsville, North Carolina.

A press release said that members of the Southwire and Youngsville communities, including county leaders, Southwire customers and Southwire team members and executives, attended the ceremony held at the new facility. “We are thrilled to open this new, expanded facility, and it was an honor to celebrate with the Youngsville team as we officially cut the ribbon,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “As North America continues to electrify, the work that is happening in Youngsville directly connects to our ability to provide world class solutions and service to our markets and customers. This plant is a strong reflection of our dedication to innovation, to modernization and to our people.”

The state-of-the-art facility will serve as the updated and expanded home for the work previously conducted at Southwire’s former Youngsville location. The footprint of the new building covers three times the square footage of the former plant, opening the door for continued operational growth.

“We are so excited about the opportunities and resources this facility will provide for our team here in Youngsville,” said Louie Shar, site leader for Southwire’s Youngsville plant. “The enhancements our team members will see in their workspace will allow us to improve our efficiency and further excel in the service we provide to our customers as we continue to grow.”

The International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA) reports that Jonas Borgolte of FUHR GmbH & Co. KG, is its 2025 Young Employee of the Year.

A press release said that Borgolte, who joined FUHR as a mechanical engineer in 2019, rose to head of design in just three years, driving significant improvements across the company. He spearheaded the standardization of machinery design that resulted in improved efficiency, cost reductions and enhanced quality throughout the organization. He introduced CIP management and fostered a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

The award, for employees of IWMA member companies under age 30, highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and recognizing those who excel in their roles. “With rising stars like Jonas and the other finalists leading the way, the future of wire and cable looks brighter than ever,” the release said.

The L.S. Starrett Co. named four new executives to its global organization. Roger N. Amrol, Jr. is the president and CEO. He most recently worked 12 years for the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation North America, where he was President and CEO for about five years. Prior to that, he was president for the SKIL North America brand for four years and in procurement for five years for Techtronics Industries. He holds an MBA from Averett University.  Barry D. Laughlin was named COO. He was most recently COO with Group DEKKO for nine years, and had worked prior to that with Navistar for 26 years, including as director of global manufacturing and custom products. He holds degrees in manufacturing from Kettering University and business administration from Ohio University. Allen E. Look was named Chief Information Officer (CIO). He has more than 25 years of related experience, including global CIO roles for six years at privately and publicly held companies. He holds a B.S. degree in computer information systems from Thomas College. Jon-Michael Raymond is Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). He has held sales and finance roles for over 17 years, most recently as global sales and marketing senior vice president at FyterTech Nonwovens. Other employers include Mahr, Starrett, PFERD Inc. and Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives. He holds an MBA from Assumption College. Based in Athol, Massachusetts, L.S. Starrett Co. is a global manufacturer of precision measuring tools and gauges, metrology systems.

Todd Hudson was named sales manager for North and South America for Windak Inc. He has more than 20 years of experience in the wire and cable industry, most recently with Sikora. Other former employers include Reel Power and Graham Engineering Corp. Windak Inc, is the U.S. business of Sweden’s Windak AB, which manufactures a wide range of packaging and spooling equipment.

 
Obituary

Garson R. Fields, Jr., a former president and co-owner of Berkshire Electric Cable Co., died Dec. 7, 2024, at age 75, at his residence at Lakewood, Colorado. The Springfield, Massachusetts, native graduated in 1973 from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, and joined the company his father had founded in Leeds, Massachusetts, in 1949. From 1986-2010, Fields served as president and co-owner of Berkshire Electric Cable Co. He led the company to specialize in custom wire and cable manufacturing. He was best known for his innovative approach to cable production and his ability to adapt the company to meet evolving industry demands as well as for having a very impressive military vehicle collection.
Fields was described as a “unique and forward-thinking person, someone who was always willing to help, assist and provide guidance.” He was a 2001 recipient of the Distinguished Career Award from the Wire & Cable Manufacturers Alliance (WCMA). He sold the business to Champlain Cable in 2010 and retired. Survivors include a sister, Robin H. Fields; sons Garson R. Fields III and Converse Fields; and a granddaughter.

September and October are wending their way closer to the front of the calendar, so the goal is to be ready for that time. That means clearing your calendar as two chapter golf dates have been set.

The New England Chapter will return to the Tunxis Country Club on Sept. 8, 2025, and the Southeast Chapter will return to the Rockbarn Country Club on Oct. 16, 2025. The winning Gem Gravure Co. Inc. team of company President Paul Gemelli and National Sales Manager Derek Olson and Schleuniger USA’s Micah Durham shot 10 under par.

The WAI Southeast Chapter will hold its golf tournament on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Rock Barn Country Club and Spa in Conover, North Carolina. In 2024, the winning team of Harrison Cummings and Mark Finch, IWG-HPC; Darin Nicol, Wayne Wire Die Company; and Kelly Grigg, I.T. Consultant (SRHS), shot an unworldly 16-under-par to claim top honors in a very competitive field.

The events serve as an excellent platform to build new connections, exchange knowledge and strengthen existing relationships within the industry, as well as support the individual chapter’s college scholarship programs.

Registration for both events will be open online in June. For more information on playing or being a sponsor, contact WAI Member Services Manager Corey Flynn at 203-458-1891 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..