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Category Archives: Wardwell

Wardwell Acquires Cobra Braiding Machinery

Brings additional technology and customer base to leading manufacturer

Wardwell Braiding Company announces its acquisition of Cobra Braiding Machinery and the company assets, effective immediately.  The announcement was made by Wardwell Vice President John Tomaz at the company’s headquarters in Rhode Island (USA). 

According to Mr. Tomaz, “Wardwell and Cobra have been friendly competitors for many years on the global market in wire and cable harnessing and when this opportunity for acquisition arose, we knew it was a great fit for our company and our customers.  I have the highest respect for the Cobra line of braiders and especially the company’s managing director, Neil Hyde.”  Mr. Hyde will remain active in the company as general manager for a period of time yet to be determined, according to Mr. Tomaz.

Neil Hyde of Cobra Machine (left) and John Tomaz of Wardwell (right) celebrate the signing of the deal. Wardwell has acquired the assets of Cobra, its friendly competitor in braiding machinery.

Established in the UK in 1981, Cobra is a family-run company now in its fourth generation. Innovation, quality and service have allowed Cobra to develop a strong reputation as a leading manufacturer of wire harness and cable harness braiding machinery.

Cobra manufactures and supplies braiding machines and equipment for a wide range of wiring harness markets including heavy vehicles, agricultural equipment, construction and mining equipment, military and defense vehicles, marine engines and aerospace. 95% of the braiding machines Cobra manufactures are exported overseas to countries including the USA, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan and Australia. “Teaming up with Wardwell gives us the confidence that our customers will continue to receive the performance and support they are accustomed to getting from Cobra,” said Neil Hyde.

Wardwell is a member of the Wilms Group which includes other major equipment manufacturers around the world such as SKET, Henrich and Spirka-Schnellflechter. This global network of suppliers to the industry has improved each member’s market position. The Wardwell braiding machine offerings will now include the entire Cobra line, highlighted by the industry-recognized Cobra 450, according to John Tomaz.  “We see the Cobra line, when joined with ours, creating a positive synergy in sales and marketing for us on a global scale.”


For more information on this development, please contact:

John Tomaz, Vice President
Wardwell Braiding Co.
1211 High Street
Central Falls, Rhode Island 02863
USA
Phone: 401-724-8800
Web: www.wardwell.com
Email:  sales@wardwell.com

Wardwell is a world-leading supplier of braiding equipment. Since its founding in 1911 by Simon Wardwell, the Company’s engineers have continually introduced advancements in machine technology that have made Wardwell braiders the industry standard for overall value.

Wardwell machines are entirely designed, engineered, manufactured, tested and shipped from its factory in Central Falls, Rhode Island, near Providence.  Our global network of partner companies reaches all industrialized countries. 

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Wardwell Before and After

Wardwell Braiding Co. Continues to Offer Refurbishing and Upgrading Program

Refurbishing Offers a Less Expensive Option During These Uncertain Economic Times

Wardwell Before and AfterWardwell Braiding Co., Rhode Island, a world leading manufacturer of wire braiding equipment for over 100 years, wants to extend its support to customers during this uncertain time and will continue to operate at full capacity. Wardwell understands that many companies have a hold on their budget for new equipment and will continue to offer its refurbishing and upgrading program on all Wardwell Braiding machines with original, new parts as a more cost-effective option.

As machinery ages, it begins to decline in performance and consume more replacement parts. Wardwell’s braiding machines are excellent candidates to be refurbished with new parts and updated features. Options can include high-efficiency motors, drives, broken wire detection, empty bobbin detection, core run-out sensors and longitudinal taping systems. The advancements in mechanical and electronic components make retrofit a cost-effective option to improve performance on existing machines.

Wardwell Before and AfterRetrofitting is a safer option than purchasing used equipment and offers the additional benefits of reduced machine downtime and increased output, often, at a lower cost. Reconditioning is particularly suitable for Wardwell machines because wear is, generally, limited to the braiding head and rotating parts. These are easily removed, shipped to Wardwell for refurbishing, and re-installed when complete.  The work is carried out by Wardwell’s trained technicians, who evaluate the machine’s mechanical components and advise customers on the condition and options available. Electrical and safety systems are replaced with factory-original parts and modernized to comply with current standards. Machine functions are tested and validated after completion.

Wardwell Retrofit Before and AfterRetrofitting reduces or eliminates the costs associated with acquiring and evaluating used equipment, purchasing of additional replacement parts to achieve the required performance plus the training needed by operators and maintenance personnel. This process is an excellent option, especially in these times of economic uncertainty.


Wardwell, Central Falls, Rhode Island, began in 1911 as a supplier of braiding machines to the manufacturers of textile products and later developed machinery models for reinforced hose and composite structures. Since the 1970s, the company’s focus has been on specialized braiding machines that serve the wire and cable industry. Today, Wardwell is a global supplier of braiders, winders and payoffs for the wire and cable industry.

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Chen
Wardwell Braiding Co.
Phone: 401-724-8800 X 183
Fax: 401-723-2690
E-mail: cchen@wardwell.com
Web: www.wardwell.com

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Wardwell at Interwire 2019

Wardwell Has a Successful Show at Interwire

Wardwell at Interwire 2019Interwire, the largest and longest-running wire and cable show, took place between May 13 and May 16, at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Wardwell Braiding Company had quite a turnout at their booth. They were able share their knowledge and interact with many potential customers.

Wardwell offered a sneak peak of their new 24 carrier Maypole style braiding machine at booth #1306. The braiding machine has an independently driven capstan instead of change gears to vary the pitch. It is also features a driven wind-up mechanism for reels with a flange diameter of up to 14,” which is rarely used on Maypole style units.  These two features make the B10 the ideal test machine by combining versatility and low cost. Furthermore, the braiding machine works best in a laboratory environment or an R&D environment because users can test run materials or the size of products.

Another product shown at Wardwell’s booth was the Speedmaster 150, a 10 carrier braiding machine for fine wire and integrated with windup for reels up to 35 mm. Additional features include special lower carriers for fine wire, an enhanced sound enclosure with lights and a fan, as well as an automatic central lube system. Finally, the Speedmaster 150 features a tape attachment and a core run-out sensor.

 


For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Chen
Wardwell Braiding Co.
1211 High Street
Central Falls
Rhode Island, 02863
Phone: 401 724 8800 X 183
Fax: 401 723 2690
Web: www.wardwell.com

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Wardwell Introduces New Braiding Machine at Interwire

Warwell Braiding MachineInterwire took place between May 13 and May 16, at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Wardwell Braiding offered a sneak peak of their new 24 carrier Maypole style braiding machine at booth #1306.

The braiding machine has an independently driven capstan instead of change gears to vary the pitch. It is also features a driven wind-up mechanism for reels with a flange diameter of up to 14,” which is rarely used on Maypole style units.  These two features make the B10 the ideal test machine by combining versatility and low cost. Furthermore, the braiding machine works best in a laboratory environment or an R&D environment because users can test run materials or the size of products.

 

 

 


For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Chen
Wardwell Braiding Co.
1211 High Street
Central Falls
Rhode Island, 02863
Phone: 401 724 8800 X 183
Fax: 401 723 2690
Web: www.wardwell.com

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Wardwell Bids Goodbye to an Employee and Welcomes Another

A leading supplier of braiding equipment, Wardwell, has announced the retirement of Steven J. Elderkin and the appointment of Scott A. Hunter.  Both announcements were made by company President John Tomaz, at Wardwell’s headquarters in Central Falls, RI.

Steve Elderkin

Elderkin’s retirement, effective December 2017, comes after 44.5 years at Wardwell and several positions. In the last 20 years, his roles included supervisor of assembly and customer service technician. Tomaz said, ”From the beginning, Steven has been a tremendous asset to our company. Every part of business that he’s been involved in, has been improved.  We’ll certainly miss having him around.” Now, Elderkin is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying the warm Floridian weather.

 

 

Scott Hunter

Hunter is Wardwell’s new Sales Engineer. In this position, he will be responsible for equipment sales throughout North America. Mentioning this new addition Tomaz commented, “Scott is an experienced professional who brings the necessary skills and knowledge, having previously worked in the wire and cable industry.  He will undoubtedly be an asset.” A three-year stint at Amaral Automation Associates is part of Hunter’s experience.

 

 


For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Chen
Wardwell Braiding Co.
1211 High Street
Central Falls
Rhode Island, 02863
Phone: 401 724 8800 X 183
Fax: 401 723 2690
Web: www.wardwell.com

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A Wise Investment: The Value of Retrofitting

Wardwell, Central Falls, RI, USA began in 1911 as a supplier of braiding machines to the manufacturers of textile products and later developed machinery models for reinforced hose and composite structures. Since the 1970s, the company’s focus has been on specialized braiding machines that serve the wire and cable industry. Today, Wardwell is a global supplier of braiders, winders and payoffs for the wire and cable industry.

While a machine may look fine on the outside, parts on the inside wear and, eventually, need to be replaced. Wardwell’s braiding machines are suitable candidates for retrofitting with new features such as high-efficiency motors, drives, broken wire detection, empty bobbin detection, core run-out sensors and longitudinal taping systems.  The advancements in mechanical and electronic components make retrofit a cost-effective means of improving performance on existing machines.

General benefits of retrofitting provide a safer option over the acquisition of used equipment and include an easy solution for machine operators, enhanced performance, reduced machine down time and increased output. Reconditioning is particularly suitable for Wardwell machines because wear is, generally, limited to the braiding head and rotating parts. These are easily removed, shipped to Wardwell for refurbishing, and re-installed when complete. Furthermore, it reduces or eliminates the costs associated with acquiring used equipment, stocking of additional replacement pats plus the training needed by operators and maintenance personnel.

The management and engineering team at Wardwell has over 100 years of experience in the design, building and maintenance of braiding equipment. Wardwell has all the necessary capabilities to fulfill your retrofitting needs, supporting and maintaining all of its equipment. As the original manufacturer, you’ll never settle for second best or have to wonder about quality. Retrofitting is carried out by Wardwell’s trained technicians, who evaluate the machine’s mechanical components and advise customers on the condition and options available. Electrical and safety systems are replaced with factory-original parts and modernized to comply with current standards. All machine functions are tested and validated after completion. Wardwell guarantees machine retrofits with a factory warranty.  Please contact the company for details.

Click photos below to enlarge.

For additional information, please contact Wardwell or visit the company’s website at www.wardwell.com.

WARDWELL BRAIDING CO.
1211 High Street
Central Falls, RI 02863
Phone:. 401-724-8800
Web: www.wardwell.com
Email: sales@wardwell.com
Attention: John Tomaz or Cynthia Chen

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