Wire Expo Preview - Feature Sample

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May 6–7, 2026 Milwaukee, Wisconsin wireexpo26.com

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W E I T PREV

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E W I R E A S S O C I AT I O N I N T E R N AT I O N A L

BAIRD CENTER •MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN MAY 67, 2026

ACCELERATING PROGRESS TOGETHER WHERE WIRE, INNOVATION & INDUSTRY CONNECT Wire Expo makes it easy to focus on new connections and to see each side of the wire and cable industry from manufacturing to downstream end use.

Join WAI at Wire Expo 2026 to meet peers in the Greater Milwaukee region from every wire industry sector.

Experience the latest tech. Discover applied production solutions, supplies, and equipment. Build prized relationships.

Achieve more. And harness the energy to excel.

New Format Wire Expo registrants will have immediate access to educational presentations in the hall, exhibits, and access to the co-located Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) in the adjacent hall.

COMPELLING SPEAKERS > NETWORKING > 150 EXHIBITS + ACCESS TO EWPTE EXHIBITS REGISTER BY APRIL 24, 2026, TO SAVE:

Co-located with: 2026

WIREEXPO26.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS

reports of industry activity

Hengtong Cable Australia notes Stage 3 win of BESS cable project in Queensland

Genuine Cable Group acquires Canadian company known for power cable systems

Hengtong Cable Australia reports that it has secured another major energy‑storage order, winning a cable pack‑ age for Stage 3 of Neoen’s Western Downs Battery (BESS) project in Queensland, Australia.

Genuine Cable Group (GCG) has acquired United Wire & Cable (UWC), a Toronto‑based supplier of proprietary power cable systems that serves data center, power and industrial customers across North America.

A press release said that UWC will become part of GCG’s Custom Engineered Solutions segment, expand‑ ing the distributor’s capabilities in engineered and propri‑ etary power systems used in mission‑critical infrastructure.

Founded more than four decades ago as a family‑owned business and headquartered in the Toronto area, UWC is a small, specialized manufacturer with one primary Canadian facility and satellite sales offices. It is known for its MAXIAMP cable bus feeder systems, vertical mine‑ shaft cables, field safety tools and related power cable products supplied through a network of direct and indirect sales representatives.

“UWC and GCG share a strong customer-first culture rooted in technical expertise and responsive service,” GCG CEO Glenn Pennycook said. “UWC’s differentiated prod‑ uct portfolio and deep application knowledge in power and critical infrastructure make them a natural fit within our Custom Engineered Solutions segment.”

United Wire & Cable is led by second-genera‑ tion owners Laura‑Anne Tredenick and Robyn Baldasti, who will continue to operate the business under the UWC brand, the release said.

“Joining GCG represents an exciting next chap‑ ter for UWC,” they said in a joint statement, noting that GCG’s broader scale and complementary portfolio should allow the company to “better support our customers and suppliers while main‑ taining the culture, relationships and service model that define UWC.” GCG, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is a value‑added provider of wire, cable, connectivity and automation solu‑ tions to industrial automation, communications, data center and industrial OEM markets. It operates cable assembly facilities and supplies wire and cable products to the U.S. Navy. The UWC deal is the 11th acquisition GCG has

Hengtong Cable will provide cable for multiple energy projects.

A press release said that the company will supply 26 km of 33 kV medium‑voltage cable, 47 km of 1 kV flexible cable and 16 km of earth power cable to UGL, which has been selected by Neoen and Tesla to construct the latest stage of the large‑scale battery energy storage system. The project, located near Chinchilla in the Western Downs region, will add 305 MW/1,220 MWh of capacity. It is set to be operational in 2027/28.

Hengtong Cable Australia has previously supplied UGL with 70 km of flexible low‑voltage earth and 33 kV cable for the Western Downs BESS Stage 2 and 110 km of flexible LV earth and 33 kV power cable for other proj‑ ects. It will also supply UGL for Neoen’s Muchea Battery north‑east of Perth, a 164 MW/905 MWh installation, and has delivered flexible LV cable packages to Consolidated Power Projects for another BESS project in New South Wales.

Stage 1 of the Western Downs Battery began construc‑ tion in early 2023 and entered operation in mid‑2025 at 270 MW/540 MWh, followed by Stage 2, which is due to start operating in 2026 at a further 270 MW/540 MWh. Stage 3 will add 305 MW/1,220 MWh in 2027/28, taking the combined battery to 845 MW/2.3 GWh Hengtong Cable Australia, established in 2017 and majority‑owned by China’s Hengtong Group, operates from Southport, Queensland. The cable most recently ordered will be made at Hengtong facilities in Jiangsu Province, China.

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NEWS

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS WAI Education Center adds to ferrous curriculum: testing and properties course The WAI Education Center has released a new online video course, Ferrous Testing & Properties, adding another key building block to the growing digital version of the Association’s Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing program.

focused videos and practical explanations help workers immediately apply what they learn on the plant floor. This release follows the successful launch of Introduction to Ferrous Metallurgy, which is a strong entry point for learners seeking a structured path into ferrous wire fundamentals.

Production is already underway for the next module in the series, Ferrous Heat Treatment, which will expand the curriculum even further and continue the steady rollout of WAI’s online adaptation of the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course. As more companies look for flexible, video-based training solutions to support onboarding and upskilling, WAI remains committed to building a modern learning environment that meets members where they are and gives them the tools to strengthen their teams.

The new Ferrous Testing & Properties course is available now in the WAI Education Center. Questions?

Contact education@wirenet.org.

WAI has expanded its ferrous educational resources with the launching of a new online video course.

WAI launches new committees for HSE and HR, invites member participation

The course delivers eight short videos, each about five minutes long, followed by brief knowledge-check quizzes designed to reinforce concepts and help viewers move steadily through the material. Available on demand, the course takes about an hour to complete and offers a compact but comprehensive introduction to the mechanical tests that define ferrous wire performance.

The content was developed with primary subject matter expert Richard Gordon, managing director, C. Richard Gordon Consulting, and secondary expert Dr. Bhaskar Yalamanchili, consultant, whose combined experience grounds the course in practical, plant-level understanding. Participants are guided through tensile behavior, ductility and coiling characteristics, wrap test fundamentals, and multiple approaches to hardness measurement. Each segment focuses on clarity and realworld relevance, giving manufacturing teams, engineers, and new hires a clear overview of what the tests show and why they matter.

“Ferrous testing drives decisions on the plant floor,” said John Markowski, WAI’s manager of education.

“This course gives teams the confidence to understand what the tests mean and how to respond.” The short,

The Wire Association International (WAI) is expanding opportunities for member engagement with the launch of two new committees focused on key industry priorities: Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) and Human Resources (HR).

The new committees are being formed as part of WAI’s ongoing effort to provide meaningful forums where members can share knowledge, collaborate on common challenges, and help guide initiatives that support the global wire and cable industry.

Committees play an important role within WAI by bringing together professionals from across the industry to exchange ideas, provide input on programs and resources, and help shape the Association’s activities.

Participation also provides members with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, contribute their expertise, and stay engaged with developments affecting the industry.

The newly formed Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Committee will focus on promoting safe, responsible, and sustainable practices throughout the wire and cable sector. The committee will serve as a forum for members to discuss workplace safety, environmental stewardship, regulatory developments, and operational

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NEWS

MEET YOUR PEERS. ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS. JOIN WAI TODAY. The following individuals either recently joined WAI or became Platinum Members through their companies.

Scott Abney Controls Engineer Belden

Reginald Hannah Electronic Technician Prysmian

Luis Miguel Lugo Process Engineer Prysmian

Fahad Ali Process Engineer Nexans Canada Inc.

Katie Harrison Project Manager/ Administration TE Connectivity

Barimagh Okyere Manufacturing & Product Development Engineer TE Connectivity

Chris Schneider Plant Director Prysmian

Ferry Irawan Senior Manufacturing & Product Development Engineer TE Connectivity

Scott Sander Vice President/General Manager Aluminum Rod & Strip Prysmian

Kevan Tran Staff Manufacturing & Process Development Engineer TE Connectivity

Josh Cucufate Manufacturing & Product Development Engineer TE Connectivity Brandon Curran Director Operations National Standard LLC

Can Kocabalkanli Managing Director Omega Americas LLC

risk management, while also sharing best practices and practical solutions from across the industry.

The Human Resources (HR) Committee will address workforce-related challenges and opportunities facing companies throughout the industry. Topics of focus may include talent recruitment and retention, workforce development, leadership training, employee engagement, and evolving HR practices. By creating a collaborative space for discussion and knowledge sharing, the committee aims to help strengthen the industry’s workforce and support the long-term success of member organizations.

Both committees are currently in the early stages of formation, with WAI gathering interest from members who would like to participate. Once a core group of interested members has been identified, the Association plans to organize an exploration call for each committee. These introductory discussions will provide an opportunity to outline the committee’s purpose, share additional details about potential activities, and gather feedback from participants as the groups begin to take shape.

In addition to the new committees, WAI members may also participate in several established committees W W W. W I R E N E T. O R G

Paul Savage Manager & Process Engineer TE Connectivity

that support various aspects of the Association’s work.

These include the Education Committee, which helps guide the development of WAI’s training programs and technical resources; the Membership Committee, which supports member engagement and growth; and the Paper Awards Committee, which reviews technical papers and recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry.

Young Professionals Outing has been set for May 5, to follow Fundamentals course WAI Manager of Education John Markowski reports that a Young Professionals Outing will be held in conjunction with Wire Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 5, the day before the official event begins.

“This component is designed to provide a casual, fun networking opportunity specifically for early-career professionals and emerging leaders,” Markowski said. He noted that the program is tied directly to the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing program.

“This is our first year organizing this component, so we’re keeping it easy, minimal, and relaxed. We’ll be A P R I L 2 0 2 6 W I R E J O U R N A L I N T E R N AT I O N A L

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NEWS

WAI Annual Meeting at Wire Expo The Association will honor the winners of four WAI awards as well as host a keynote presentation by a highly respected AI expert on Thursday, May 7, at its Annual Meeting.

The meeting element itself is brief as it is procedural. It will include the presentations of the Mordica Memorial Award to Kiran Manchiraju, vice president of research for Southwire Company; the Donnellan Memorial Award to Jim York, the 2022 WAI president; the President’s Award to Marco Gerardo, area sales manager of Italy’s MFL Group; and the Champion Award to John W. Mellowes, CEO of Charter Manufacturing, in WAI President Daniel Blais welcomed attendees to the Wire conjunction with his opening keynote remarks the Expo 2024, and outlined what awaited them. prior day. Individual descriptions are on the following pages.

The Mordica Memorial Award recognizes a person who has furthered technology in the industry, the Donnellan Memorial Award recognizes a person for their volunteer contributions to the Association, the President’s Award is chosen by the standing WAI president and the Champion Award is chosen by the WAI’s board of directors.

Dr. John Sviokla, a recognized authority on AI and digital transformation, will make his keynote presentation at the Annual Meeting. An Executive Fellow at the Harvard Business School, where he earned his doctorate and MBA, Sviokla generated some of the earliest thought-leadership on the coming world of AI and digital competition. He has since guided senior executives through the full lifecycle of technology-led change. At Wire Expo 2026, he will explain why every organization must move from human centric to a hybrid of human and AI intelligence and how to do it. paying attention to how it goes to evaluate for future events.”

• Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5, from 6:00-9:00 pm • Location: 3rd Street Market Hall (about a block and a half from the Baird Center) Space & Activities. The space is reserved exclusively for our group, featuring a lounge area with a private open bar and two Top Golf swing suites. The space will comfortably accommodate ~75 people on a flow.

Food. Each attendee will receive a food voucher usable at any of the 18 vendors within the hall. From tacos and pasta to barbecue and sushi, there should be something for everyone!

Eligibility/Audience: This outing is designed for early-career professionals and emerging leaders (roughly 40 and under). It is especially fitting for participants in the Fundamentals course.

Wire Expo advanced extrusion workshop to present a higher level of ‘know-how’ This workshop, a continuation of a program first offered last year, is intended for engineers and professionals involved in extrusion—especially those who have already taken WAI’s Fundamentals of Wire

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Manufacturing course (recommended but not mandatory)—who would like to deepen their understanding of wire and cable extrusion.

To be held Wednesday, May 6, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency, the course offers an exclusive, hands-on opportunity for professionals to deepen their understanding of wire extrusion processes.

The workshop format features small-group interactive sessions, breakout problem-solving, hands-on demonstrations, and guided exhibitor visits to see extrusion equipment on the Wire Expo show floor. Instruction will be co-led by industry veterans Rick Chamberlain (Hawkins Consulting, LLC) and David Skinner (Joe Tools), ensuring attendees gain both practical insight and real-world perspective.

The four-hour, in-depth session is more than just a learning experience: it is a chance to connect with industry peers, interact with experts in the field and see extrusion processes in action. Whether you’re looking to solve specific challenges or stay ahead of industry trends, this workshop is your opportunity to gain practical knowledge.

Registration is $225 for WAI members and $295 for non-members. A show special is available for non-members: for the same $295 fee, participants also receive a one-year WAI membership. n W W W. W I R E N E T. O R G

CHAPTERS

CHAPTER NETWORK Spring beckons as does the potential for glory at a WAI chapter golf tournament A particularly ugly winter has finally departed, marking the return of sunnier, more pleasant times, and more specifically, the return of the golfing season.

Four WAI chapters have their dates set for tournaments. It’s never too early to make time to hit a bucket or two of golf balls to get in the mindset for WAI Chapter golf tournaments. The collective chapter golf tournaments bring together professionals from the wire and cable industry for a day of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Beyond the obvious attraction of golfing, the events serve as an excellent platform to build new connections, exchange knowledge and strengthen existing relationships within the industry. The tournaments also serve another purpose, and it’s an important one: they support the chapters that have college scholarship programs, so get out there and hit a few buckets. Until then, below are some photos from 2025 to inspire any dormant golfers.

Bragging rights await!

First up is the Midwest Chapter (below are photos from the 2025 event) which will be at the White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville, Illinois, on Thursday, July 20.

The cost for the event is $200, with dinner only for $75.

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Registration is now open. For more details, contact WAI Project Manager Vanessa Lewis at tel. 203-453-2777 at vlewis@wirenet.org.

Details on the other events will be presented in the next issue, and visit the individual chapter web pages at wirenet.org. n

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wireexpo26.com

EVENT PREVIEW

THANK YOU SPONSORS ELITE Sponsors

PLATINUM Sponsors Lloyd & Bouvier Inc.

GOLD Sponsors

SILVER Sponsors

BRONZE Sponsors

official publication:

WIRE EXPO 2026

Welcome to WIRE EXPO Wire Expo 2026 will embody the event theme—“Accelerating Progress Together ~ Where wire, innovation & industry connect”—on the show floor at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. Over two days, attendees will be able to move seamlessly between conference sessions in the new WAI Theater, explore a bustling exhibit hall featuring some 200 suppliers and manufacturers, and take advantage of free access to the co-located Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) in the adjacent hall.

In 2024, Roteq Machinery’s Kevin Dancy presents his session on stranding and cabling at WAI’s Fundamentals course.

The Wire Expo format makes it simpler for suppliers and manufacturers to discuss production issues and new ideas.

The program balances information with application.

Focused tracks will highlight integrated manufacturing excellence and digital transformation, while a hands-on advanced extrusion course and a tour of Charter Steel offer direct industry engagement. Attendees will hear two keynote speakers explore technologies shaping the next phase of wire and cable production, celebrate industry leaders at the awards presentations and connect through numerous networking opportunities. The pages that follow preview what awaits; for the most current details and updates, visit wireexpo26.com.

Attendees who want to make the most of their Wire Expo experience will find plenty to pack into two very full days—or three, for those adding the day-long Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing program on Tuesday.

The exhibition floor will open Wednesday at 9 am and a members-only continental breakfast will be served from 9 am to 9:30 am. At that time, David Fisher, the 2026 WAI president, will open the conference. He will introduce John W. Mellowes, the CEO and owner of Charter Manufac-

turing, who will receive the WAI Champion Award and deliver a keynote address. Of note, his company will host a plant tour that afternoon. At 11:20 am, Mordica Memorial Award winner Kiran Manchiraju of Southwire will be featured in a Mordica interview at the Theater, and conference sessions will continue there over the next two days. That evening, at the Baird Center, WAI will hold its Welcome Reception, an ideal setting to reconnect with colleagues and meet new contacts.

The show floor will be open Wednesday from 9 am to 5 pm and Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm, with some 200 suppliers of equipment, products, and services ready to share their latest technologies, answer questions, and discuss options targeted to attendees’ operations. The mix includes both long-time exhibitors and first-time participants. Thursday morning will feature WAI’s Annual Meeting, Awards Ceremony, and a keynote presentation by Dr. John Sviokla, a recognized authority on AI and digital transformation. There is much more, as outlined in the following pages.

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WIRE EXPO 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS Below is a list of some event highlights

♦ Education. On Tuesday, WAI will present its

day-long iconic Fundamentals course. Wednesday will have an advanced extrusion workshop.

♦ Featured keynote speakers. On Wednesday,

it will be John W. Mellowes, CEO and owner, Charter Manufacturing, and on Thursday, it will be Dr. John Sviokla, a recognized authority on AI and digital transformation.

♦ Exhibits. A wide range of suppliers will be available for attendees to talk to.

♦ Association meetings. Behind the scenes, WAI committee and board volunteers will convene to discuss current and future plans.

♦ Presentations. Speakers will focus on mean-

ingful topics, from the role of AI and cybersecurity to worker safety and the future of copper.

♦ Industry recognition. WAI will honor the

winners of the Mordica, Donnellan, President’s and Champion awards.

♦ Reception. The WAI will hold the Welcome Reception at the 4th floor Ballroom Terrace Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

♦ Networking. It’s not on the official schedule,

but the entire event is designed to foster endless possibilities.

36 Sponsors 40 Event Registration & Hotel Reservations 42 General Program/Event Schedule 44 Event Highlights 46 Board of Directors 46 Conference Planning Committee 46 Education Committee 47 Welcome Reception 48 Wednesday Keynote & Plant Tour 49 Thursday Keynote 49 WAI Annual Meeting 50 Mordica Memorial Award Winner 51 Donnellan Memorial Award Winner 52 Champion Award 53 President’s Award 54 WAI Life & 25-Year Members 56 Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing 58 WAI Operations Summit/Conference Sessions 60 Production Solutions 64 Floor Plan 65 Alphabetical/Numerical List of Exhibitors 70 Preview of Exhibits 102 Exhibitors’ Product Directory

Schedule subject to change. Go to the event website — www.wireexpo26.com — for the latest details.

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WIRE EXPO 2024

Event Registration Registration for Wire Expo 2026 is now open at the event’s website: www.wireexpo26.com. All registration is now electronic. The below information is presented for reference.

Advance Rate Regular Rate until April 24th after April 24th

Full Show Floor Access - Member

$125.00

$150.00

Full Show Floor Access + Membership

$225.00

$250.00

Full Show Floor Access - Non Member

$225.00

$250.00

Fundamentals - Member

$275.00

$275.00

Fundamentals + Membership

$275.00

$275.00

Fundamentals - Non Member

$345.00

$345.00

Extrusion Workshop - Member

$225.00

$225.00

Extrusion Workshop + Membership

$225.00

$225.00

Extrusion Workshop - Non Member

$295.00

$295.00

Charter Steel Plant Tour - Member

$75.00

$75.00

Charter Steel Plant Tour + Membership

$75.00

$75.00

Charter Steel Plant Tour - Non Member

$100.00

$100.00

Reception Ticket

$75.00

$100.00

* The Fundamentals course is held on May 5, 2026, one day prior to Wire Expo. ** New Member price includes a one-year WAI membership – Show Special, One Time Only Pricing.

Hotels The Wire Association International has partnered with three select local hotels to offer exclusive, discounted rates for Wire Expo attendees. To receive the group rate, use the event website wireexpo26.com. Note below deadlines.

Scan for more information

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee 333 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53203. Cutoff date: April 6.

Tel. 414-276 -1234, concierge@hyatt.com.

Courtyard by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown 300 W Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

Cutoff date: April 3, Tel. 414-291-4122.

Hampton Inn 176 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203. Cutoff date: April 17.

Tel. 414-271-4656.

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WIRE EXPO 2026

Event Schedule at a Glance Preshow: Tuesday May 5, 2026

Day 1: Wednesday Day 2: Thursday May 6, 2026 May 7, 2026

8:00 am–5:00 pm

8:00 am–5:00 pm

Registration Open

Registration Open

8:30 am–4:45 pm

9:00 am

9:00 am- 9:30 am

11:00 am–noon

9:00 am–5:00 pm

9:00 am- 3:00 pm

Registration Open Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Executive Committee Meeting* Noon–1:30 pm

Exhibition Planning Committee* 1:00 pm–2:30 pm

Member Relations Committee Meeting* 1:00 pm–4:45 pm

Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing • Ferrous Track • Nonferrous/Electrical Track 2:30 pm–5:00 pm

Board of Directors Meeting* 4:45 pm–5:45 pm

Fundamentals Social Hour 6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Young Professionals Outing

WAI Members Continental Breakfast

8:00 am–3:00 pm

WAI Members Continental Breakfast

Wire Expo Conference & Exhibit Floor Open

Exhibit Floor Open

9:30 am–10:00 am

WAI Annual Meeting, Awards Ceremony and Keynote Address

by Dr. John Sviokla

Opening Remarks by WAI President David Fisher, Champions Award and Keynote Address by winner John Mellowes 10:00 am–3:30 pm

Conference Sessions 10:30 am–2:30 pm

9:30 am–10:20 am

10:00 am–1:40 pm

Conference Sessions 2:30 pm

Electric Bike Closing Giveaway

Advanced Extrusion Workshop 11:20-11:40 am

Mordica Interview 1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Charter Steel Plant Tour 2:20 pm–3:30 pm

Production Solutions 3:30 pm–5:00 pm

Social Hour WAI Resource Center 6:30 pm–8:30 pm

Welcome Reception

Baird Center * Invitation only Schedule subject to change. Go to the event website —wireexpo26.com — for the latest details.

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WIRE EXPO 2026

Event Highlights WEDNESDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS John W. Mellowes, CEO & owner, Charter Manufacturing Mellowes is the winner of the 2026 WAI Champion Award that honors an individual for recognition of his leadership and his company’s sustained support of the Wire Association International and its educational mission. He has served as CEO of Mequon, Wisconsin-based Charter Manufacturing since 2013. A fourth-generation family owner, he follows in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Alfred Mellowes, who founded the company in 1936. He holds a B.S. degree from Princeton University and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

EXHIBITS More than a hundred booths have been taken by suppliers that will be ready to share their latest solutions. If you have a project or want to consider alternatives, this is the place to flesh out possibilities. This is the time for thoughtful conversations with companies that are well known as well as some that are new to the event.

The April preshow issue will include profiles of some firsttime Wire Expo exhibitors.

COLOCATION Wire Expo will occupy the expanded Baird Center along2026 side the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE), making downtown Milwaukee a shared hub for wire and cable professionals. The shows will run concurrently under one roof with coordinated hours and reciprocal hall access, so registrants can move easily between wire and cable production, wire harness and electrical processing exhibits while meeting new suppliers, exploring technologies and cultivating prospects.

INSIDE THE MILL: CHARTER STEEL TOUR The Wednesday tour of Charter Steel, part of Charter Manufacturing, will offer an exclusive, comprehensive look at the steelmaking process from melt to roll and processing.

Attendees will see how the company turns scrap into high-quality carbon and alloy wire and bar products through precision, technology and craftsmanship. The tour provides a rare chance to see operations up close and gain deeper insight into how Charter Steel partners with customers to deliver consistent, high-performance steel.

ADVANCED WORKSHOP FOR EXTRUSION Ready for the next step in extrusion know-how? This four-hour program that starts Wednesday at 10:30 am at the Hyatt Regency was designed with you in mind. Taught by Richard Chamberlain, consultant, Hawkins Consulting, Inc., and David Skinner, vice president of operations, Joe Tools, Inc., it is geared toward practicing professionals. The workshop provides an intensive, practical look at wire extrusion processes and their real-world applications. Building on concepts introduced in WAI’s earlier instruction, this session goes beyond the classroom. Participants will work directly with the instructors, explore current challenges, and see extrusion principles demonstrated in action. Along with the technical content, the workshop offers valuable time to exchange ideas with peers, compare approaches, and discuss solutions to production issues.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights they can put to work as soon as they return to their plants.

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WIRE EXPO 2026 THURSDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS Dr. John Sviokla, recognized authority on AI and digital transformation An Executive Fellow at the Harvard Business School, where he earned his doctorate and MBA, Dr. John Sviokla generated some of the earliest thought-leadership on the coming world of AI and digital competition. A co-founder of GHI Insights, he has since guided senior executives through the full lifecycle of technology-led change. At Wire Expo 2026, he will explain why every organization must move from human centric to a hybrid of human and AI intelligence and how to do it.

MORDICA LECTURE Kiran Manchiraju: The past, present and future of wire and cable. Is innovation at an inflection point?

Kiran Manchiraju will share his thoughts and spark a conversation about the journey of the wire and cable industry, a field that has supported electrification and industrial progress for more than a century. Reflecting on its history, the foundations laid by previous generations are now converging with transformative forces such as artificial intelligence, new materials and advanced manufacturing, opening a new era of innovation. These technologies will reshape how we discover, design and deploy the next generation of conductive materials and infrastructure, advances essential for powering an electrified world and keeping pace with a changing future.

EDUCATION AND MORE Multiple elements for learning and young(er) minds • WAI’s iconic day-long Wire and Cable Fundamentals course will be held on Tuesday, May 5, the day before Wire Expo 2026 starts. See p. 56.

• The Fundamentals experience then shifts to a nearby site where there will be a Young Professionals gathering. See p. 31.

• Production Solutions: three sessions cover lubricants, die issues, and wire breaks. See p. 60.

• Advanced Extrusion Workshop. See pp. 32 and 59.

WAI THEATER: HIT AFTER HIT!

BIKE GIVEAWAY

Front and center on the Wire Expo 2026 show floor, the WAI Theater puts the entire program in one spotlight: technical sessions, keynote speakers, the WAI Annual Meeting, Mordica Lecture (interview) and more, all just steps from the exhibits and co-located Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo.

Cap Wire Expo 2026 with a shot at an electric Townie bike, courtesy of WAI. All registered attendees get a ticket to drop off by 2:30 pm at the WAI Resource Center, where the winning ticket wil be drawn. You must be present to win. Free shipping will be provided

by Wheel & Sprocket.

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