From Doncaster to the USA: A Global Journey in Wire & Cable

Aaron Heath, Wire Technology Technician at IWMA member company Bridon-Bekaert and a graduate of the IWMA’s 2024 Wire Education Award, shares how being named the 2025 Wire Link Scholar has shaped his professional development and deepened his global industry perspective.

After nearly nine years in the wire and cable industry, my connections had largely been limited to my day-to-day network in the UK. That all changed when I was selected as the 2025 Wire Link Scholar – an opportunity that has genuinely reshaped my career path and broadened my professional world in this vast industry. It was more than a personal achievement; it was a major step forward in progressing my career.

The Wire Link Scholarship is a joint initiative from the Wire Association International (WAI), the Wire Foundation, and the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers of England. It aims to support promising professionals in our industry by offering a two-week educational and cultural exchange. For me, it meant representing the UK on a professional and cultural tour across the United States. It wasn’t just about travelling or site visits; it was a deep dive into the full scope of the global wire industry.

A Journey Across the U.S.

Over the course of ten days, I visited 19 different business units across seven U.S. states, covering more than 3,000 miles on the road. From high-carbon steel wire mills to precision non-ferrous manufacturers, from copper rod refining to cutting-edge wire die production – each stop added a new layer of insight. The tour helped me understand not only the technical differences between plants but also the shared challenges, innovations, and mindsets that define our industry.

The journey began in New York City, where I experienced the energy of Times Square and took in the views from the Empire State Building and One World Trade Centre. These cultural moments were important – they gave me space to reflect and reset before the intensity of the industrial visits began.

Among the most striking technical stops were visits to SDI LaFarga’s copper recycling plant in Indiana and Fort Wayne Wire Die, where I saw first-hand how dies are designed, manufactured, and measured. Witnessing the craftsmanship and precision required gave me a newfound respect for this critical component in our industry. These insights have already started to influence how I approach maintenance and quality control at Bekaert.

Real-World Impact

One particularly impactful experience was at Gripple’s Aurora plant, which receives wire from our Doncaster site. Seeing how our wire is used downstream gave me a completely new perspective. We were even able to discuss ways to streamline and improve our collaboration – demonstrating how these visits can directly benefit both parties.

I was also struck by the different approaches to health and safety, automation, and sustainability across facilities. At Prysmian’s plant, the commitment to a clean, well-organised workspace – despite the scale of operations – was especially impressive. It’s a reminder that operational excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety or employee wellbeing.

A Proud Moment at Interwire 2025

A major highlight of the trip was attending Interwire 2025 in Atlanta, where I was part of the WAI’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Being publicly recognised as the 2025 Wire Link Scholar was a proud moment, but equally valuable was the chance to speak with WAI presidents, past and present. I also had the chance to visit the shop floor and discuss technologies and systems that could benefit our operations in Doncaster and across our business.

It was great to spend time at the IWMA stand and catch up with Chairman Willibert Dautzenberg, and Jessica Bennett, Executive Manager – a welcome chance to see some familiar faces from across the industry.

Throughout the trip, I was guided by John Drummond, whose deep understanding of the wire industry – combined with his insights into U.S. history – brought an added depth to the entire experience.

Back in the UK – and Looking Ahead

Upon returning to the UK, I had the honour of attending the May Court Dinner at the Apothecaries’ Hall in London, where I was formally presented with my certificate by the current Master. It was the perfect way to reflect on how far I’d come – not just across continents, but in my understanding of the industry and my role within it.

In truth, the impact of this opportunity goes far beyond the two-week journey. It’s shaped how I think, how I approach problems, and who I can call on for advice or ideas. In a sector as global and dynamic as wire and cable, connection is everything – and the Wire Link Scholarship made that possible. I now feel more confident, better equipped, and more motivated than ever to contribute to the industry that has already given me so much.

Supporting the Next Generation

I’m incredibly grateful to the WAI, the Wire Foundation, and the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers for making the scholarship possible, and to Bekaert for giving me the time and encouragement to fully embrace this experience. I’d also like to thank the IWMA for their ongoing support and for providing a platform to share my journey with others in the industry.

One of the biggest takeaways from this experience is the clear need for companies across the industry to support and develop their young talent. Programmes like the Wire Link Travelling Scholarship and the IWMA’s Wire Education Award provide incredible opportunities for early-career professionals to grow, network, and gain global insight into the wire and cable industry.

The Wire Link Scholarship, next running in 2027, enables a U.S.-based professional to travel to the UK and Europe, visit top-tier manufacturing facilities, and attend wire Düsseldorf. For any company in the U.S., this is a great way to reward and develop someone with ambition, curiosity, and a commitment to the industry.

Meanwhile, the IWMA is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Wire Education Award, with a deadline of 1^st November 2025. Awardees will join a structured programme at wire Düsseldorf, with training, networking, and cultural experiences that can make a lasting impact on their careers. Nominations must be submitted online by a senior staff member at iwma.org.

Both initiatives are designed to elevate the next generation and return them to their companies with renewed energy and perspective. I’d encourage every business to look at their teams and consider who they could put forward – not only to support individual growth but to invest in the long-term success of the wire and cable industry.