In October, the AWPA held its first joint Operations Manager Meeting in conjunction with
the Chain Link Fence Manufacturing Institute (CLFMI). Attendance was outstanding with over
100 participants from the two associations. During the meeting, the group toured the Southwestern
Wire facility located in Norman, Oklahoma.
Meeting topics during the general sessions included: Information on Bar Coding and
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI); Die Theory & Design; and Choosing Dry and Wet Lubricants. The presentation on Bar Coding and EDI was given by Ray Wantage of North American Wire Products,
Al Wilson of Project Management, Inc., Dr. Harry Nodes, Jr. of GSI Industries and Bruce Kohlun
of Southwestern Wire, Inc. The speakers covered the basics of bar coding; examples of how it has
been implemented in some companies; and how the AWPA is working with domestic rod mills to
produce a standardized bar coding system for wire rod in North America.
During the second general session, a presentation was given by Tom Maxwell Jr. of Die
Quip Corporation on Die Theory, and Design and Setting Up an Internal Die Shop. Richard Sarver
and Mark Hickel of Paramount Die Company, Inc. also outlined Die Theory and Design, as well as
when it is appropriate to buy dies on the outside. David Gzesh of Elf Atochem North America
presented the history, theory and proper use of dry lubricants in wire drawing. Frank Dempsey and
William Dohrmann of Blachford Corporation gave pointers on choosing and applying wet lubricants in wire drawing.
As always, the meeting provided an opportunity for operational personnel to get
valuable insight on the topics covered and exchange information to help promote the efficiency of
North American wire producers. Although the turnout was excellent, we hope that more AWPA
Operations managers will be able to attend the spring meeting in South Carolina.
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American Wire Producers Association
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 211
Alexandria, VA 22314-1757
Tel (703) 299-4434 | Fax (703) 299-9233 | E-mail info@awpa.org | Web: www.awpa.org
