Chairman’s Update: October 2024

Dear IWMA Members,

I hope this message finds you well. As we move into the final months of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements, highlight some key industry trends, and update you on exciting upcoming events that will shape the future of our organisation.

Industry Landscape and Market Resilience

Our industry continues to navigate a complex global environment, marked by economic uncertainties, trade tensions, and protectionist policies. The current geopolitical climate, especially the ongoing trade issues between the U.S. and China, has had an undeniable impact on supply chains, and we are all feeling the pressure from rising costs. However, despite these challenges, demand in key sectors remains robust, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

The energy sector, in particular, has seen a tremendous push driven by global commitments to renewable energy. Offshore wind farms and other green projects are expanding rapidly, especially across Europe, with continued double-digit growth projected for the coming years. This presents a significant opportunity for wire and cable manufacturers.

Telecommunications is another area seeing significant demand, especially with the global rollout of 5G technology. This shift is creating a multi-year pipeline of demand for specialised cables across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with annual growth expected to exceed 7%. Meanwhile, the electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly evolving, bringing with it an increasing need for advanced wiring solutions for vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Upcoming Exhibitions and Networking Opportunities

As we look to the near future, our focus now turns to key international exhibitions. The recent exhibition in Shanghai was a tremendous success, and we are gearing up for what promises to be another major event in India this November. For the first time, we are introducing the IWMA Pavilion at wire India in Mumbai, providing members with the opportunity to exhibit with tailored support, stand-building assistance, and personalised hospitality services.

We are also excited about the next wire exhibition in Mexico in February, organised by our trusted partners at Messe Düsseldorf. This will be another key opportunity for IWMA members to showcase their innovations and expand their global reach. We encourage those interested in participating to reach out, as spaces are filling up quickly.

These exhibitions are more than just trade shows—they are vital networking opportunities where we can strengthen partnerships, forge new relationships, and re-establish the personal connections that remain the backbone of our industry.

Networking Events and IWMA’s Annual Dinner Dance

Before we head to India, I am pleased to announce that IWMA will revive its much-loved Annual Dinner Dance on November 15th in London—the first one in five years. Held at the luxurious Leonardo Royal Hotel, this is a great opportunity for us all to reconnect, enjoy great food, and celebrate our industry’s successes. Tickets are selling fast, so please click here for more details – http://iwma.org/event/iwma-dinner-dance-2024/.

I’d also like to remind you of our popular networking events. At each of our exhibitions, we will host events aimed at fostering collaboration and bringing our community closer together. At wire India, our “Colours of the World” evening promises to be a memorable experience, so don’t miss out!

Looking Forward to 2025 and Beyond

As we plan for 2025, I’m excited to mention that we will continue our strong partnership with ACIMAF and the Wire Association International (WAI) at the Wire & Cable Conference in Krakow on October 14, 2025. This event will be an important moment for our industry, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and manufacturers to explore the future of wire and cable.

A Note on Leadership Transition

On a personal note, after three fulfilling years as your chairman my term has come to an end, and I will be handing over the reins in March at our Annual General to Meeting Mr. Willibert Dautzenberg. I have every confidence that Willibert, along with our President Bernd Lohmüller, will continue to drive our association forward.

We’ve accomplished a great deal together, but there is still more to come. With strong leadership and your continued engagement, I have no doubt that IWMA will continue to flourish in the coming years.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Warm regards,
Don Neville
Chairman, IWMA