Interwire, indeed, can be a rewarding experience ... that goes especially for the four attendees whose names will be pulled in this first-ever addition to Interwire.

WAI is introducing a raffle with four cash prizes totaling $10,000. This initiative emphasizes the strong exhibition and engaging educational programming taking place in the WAI Theater on the show floor. Attendees who are on-site during the drawing times will have a chance to win one of four $2,500 cash prizes.

The first drawing is set for Wednesday at 4 pm, followed by the second drawing on Thursday at noon. Winners will be drawn by WAI President Eric Bieberich and announced through the event’s mobile app/show floor speakers. To participate, attendees must have submitted their ticket from their registration packet and be on-site at the time of the drawing. This could be your most memorable Interwire ever.

The WAI’s Advanced Extrusion Workshop that will be held Wednesday, May 14, at Southwire’s campus in Carrollton, Georgia, is nearing full capacity.

There are only 50 available slots, and as of press time it appeared that it likely would close, reflecting the strong demand that exists for specialized training in wire and cable extrusion processes.

This hands-on, in-depth session builds on the basic principles from the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing extrusion session and expands into advanced techniques and optimization strategies. Co-led by Rick Chamberlin of Hawkins Consulting, LLC and David Skinner of Joe Tools, the workshop is designed to enhance operational efficiency and technical proficiency among extrusion professionals.

The course will cover topics such as material handling options, crossheads and tooling, extruder screw optimization and material balance and usage optimization.  For more details on the workshop and registration, visit interwire25.com.

The Wire Association International reports that the Wire & Cable Krakow Conference, to be held Oct. 14, is shaping up to be a productive one-day event.

There has been a strong response to the call for papers, with some 20 abstracts submitted on topics centered on sustainability, production efficiency, and product development emerging as key themes. The planning committee is now reviewing these submissions, aiming to craft an insightful program for attendees.

Final details, including attendee registration pricing, tabletop exhibits, and sponsorship options, are still being determined. For more details, visit wirecable25.com or reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WAI, in collaboration with Hyperion Materials & Technologies (HMT), will present a two-part webinar series in September free to WAI members for wire die tool makers and wire producers that will provide insights into PCD and TC wire dies.

Part 1, Differentiating High-Quality PCD Wire Dies, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 11 am EST, presented by HMT’s Hector Ferrer Ribas, a business development specialist- carbide metal cutting, and Andrew Gledhill, technical manager. They will focus on identifying high-quality polycrystalline diamond (PCD) wire dies. Topics will include fundamental material properties, common defects like EDM cutting issues and cracks, and the impact of quality on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Attendees will also receive a checklist to assess superior products and learn about innovations in PCD materials.

Part 2, Key Differentiators in Carbide Wire Dies, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 11 am EST, will highlight the defining features of high-quality carbide wire dies. Attendees will explore red flags such as casing issues, breakage, and porosity, along with an assessment checklist to evaluate manufacturing quality and material consistency. The webinar will also cover advancements in carbide materials, testing methods, and the importance of traceability and certifications.

Both sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend live. As noted above, that access will be free to WAI members. They will offer a convenient opportunity for industry professionals to deepen their understanding of wire die quality and advancements. For more updates on these events and programs, visit wirenet.org.

Barnes, a manufacturer whose product range includes fasteners, was sold to Apollo Global Management for $3.6 billion in a deal that closed in January. Now, it will see its corporate headquarters in Connecticut closed by the end of this year.

Per a press release and media reports, Barnes, long known as the Barnes Group, will close its corporate headquarters in Bristol, cutting about 28 jobs, the company said in a filing with the state Department of Labor. Layoffs will be made periodically, including June 30 and Sept. 30.

The news comes several months after Apollo Global Management acquired the Barnes Group and took the company private. Barnes Group makes precision components for aerospace and a range of other industries. Barnes Group and its predecessor, Associated Spring, have been located in Bristol since 1857.

Per its 2024 annual report, Barnes Group, as of  Dec. 31, 2023, the company had approximately 6,500 employees worldwide. Approximately 25% were in the Asia-Pacific region, approximately 45% in the European, Middle East and African regions and approximately 30% in the Americas region.