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President's Message
By Beth Huntley
Thank you for electing me as President of the Cordage Institute. It is a great honor to serve our association and the rope industry in this role.
With your help, I hope to ensure that the Cordage Institute remains a forum for professional connections among people in and around the rope industry. The organization is an excellent environment for rope makers to interact with each other and provides an opportunity for them to strengthen their relationships with the associate members who provide the fibers, coatings, and equipment that make rope products possible. The Cordage Institute is also meant to be a catalyst of ideas. The technical committee works assiduously to draft test methods, rope standards and guidelines to help our customers of today and build a solid foundation of technical knowledge to guide rope makers and users of the future.
Many thanks to all those who attended the joint conference of Cordage Institute and Eurocord held at Hilton Head Island in June. The venue was gorgeous, the technical program was thought-provoking, and the social events were relaxed and engaging. The conference could not have been successful without the tireless efforts of the Eurocord and Cordage Institute staffs who perfected the details that were so well enjoyed by all the attendees.
One highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Gale Foster Award of Merit. Steve Hudson was honored posthumously, and the award was graciously accepted by Diane Cousineau Hudson on his behalf.
The 2024 Richards Technical Contribution Award was given to Wes Conger of Cortland Biomedical. Wes was the determined chairman of the workgroup that successfully completed the draft process for CI 2001 – Guideline: Fiber Rope Inspection and Retirement Criteria. We were very pleased to recognize Wes for his perseverance in the completion of this substantial document. The award was presented in advance via video call which was shared during the in-person meeting.
We recognized the many years of service on the Board of Directors of Bill Pearson of Pearson Industries and Brent Gerdes of Honeywell. Their long-term support is deeply appreciated. The Institute is very fortunate that Fran Hoffman of Miami Cordage accepted the current role of Vice-President of the association and that Mark Swiackey of Phillystran has returned to the Board. We also welcomed Amy Jenkins of Teijin Aramid and Rob Ludwig of Cancord Ropes as the newest Directors and thank them for their commitment to the industry.
Finally, a special thanks was due to Bill Putnam, our recent Past President and continuing Director, for his dedication during his two-year term. Bill assumed office at the end of the Covid pandemic and calmly led the organization with his patience and personal fortitude. The association will continue to benefit from his forward-thinking vision for many years to come.
We are very pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual Conference will be held on May 20-22, 2025 at the Hotel Place d’Armes in Montreal, Quebec. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Thanks again for your support. I hope the remainder of your summer is lovely and look forward to seeing you at the Fall Technical & Board Meeting on October 1-2, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA.
Beth Huntley
President
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Cordage Institute Happenings | |
Highlights of the Cordage Institute and Eurocord’s 6th Joint Conference | |
On June 16-19, 2024, the Cordage Institute and Eurocord held their 6th Joint Conference at the Sonesta Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The full conference program included a Technical Seminar, Business Meeting, Technical Subcommittee and Task Group meetings, as well as a meeting of the full Technical Committee. During the full Technical Committee Meeting, reports from each Subcommittee and Task Group were provided. | |
Steve Hudson Honored with the 2024 Gale Foster Award of Merit | |
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Steve Hudson, longtime friend of the Cordage Institute, was posthumously awarded the Gale Foster Award of Merit during the Cordage Institute and Eurocord 6th Joint Conference in Hilton Head Island. Named after the well-respected former CI Technical Director, the Gale Foster Award of Merit is presented to individuals who have contributed outstanding service to the organization and to the industry over a substantial period of time.
Steve used his love for caving and adventure to help engineer better climbing and life safety rope. In 1976, Steve Hudson, along with three other caving families, founded Pigeon Mountain Industries with the goal of creating ropes that offered improved strength, handling, and consistency for the caving community. Throughout his career, he was a proponent of improving the techniques and equipment used for rope-based rescue and life safety applications, and he helped to develop the Cordage Institute’s Technical Committee Operating Policies and Procedures, which are still in use today. Steve served on the Cordage Institute’s Board of Directors from 1997 to 2001 and again from 2003 to 2011, and he served as President from 2005 to 2007.
Steve passed away in 2013, and his wife, Diane Cousineau Hudson, accepted the award on his behalf at the President’s Night Dinner. Past recipients of the Award of Merit include Rollin Stirman, John Flory, Steve Swiackey, Sim Whitehill, Tom Yale, and Bill Hagenbuch.
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The Cordage Institute is Proud to Introduce New Officers | |
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Congratulations to Beth Huntley (left) on her election as President and to Fran Hoffman (right) on being elected Vice President of the Cordage Institute. Both will serve two-year terms, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to their roles.
Elizabeth (Beth) Huntley
Elizabeth is the President of Whitehill Manufacturing, which has founded by her father, Simeon Whitehill, in 1978. She is a mechanical engineer who specializes in the development of high performance synthetic ropes, and she has over 25 years of experience in the design, manufacture, testing, and development of synthetic ropes for a wide range of military and industrial applications. Elizabeth previously served as the Chair of the Cordage Institute’s Technical Committee and has received numerous distinguished awards including the DeepStar Outstanding Contribution Award from the American Petroleum Institute and the 2024 Best Paper Award at the OIPEEC Conference.
Fran Hoffman
Fran, currently the Chief Executive Officer at Miami Cordage and Florida Wire & Rigging Works, began her journey with the company in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks to become COO in 2015 and, in 2022, CEO.
Miami Cordage is a fourth-generation family-owned and operated company specializing in fiber rope manufacturing, wire rope rigging, and custom fabrication. Fran has been instrumental in spearheading quality manufacturing and operational initiatives, always keeping the well-being and development of Miami Cordage's employees at the forefront of her efforts.
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Introduction to the New Members of the Cordage Institute Board of Directors | |
The Cordage Institute is pleased to introduce the new members of the Board of Directors. With diverse expertise across the cordage industry, these individuals bring a wide-range of experience, innovative thinking, and a shared commitment to advancing the industry's standards. | |
Amy Jenkins, Teijin Aramid
Amy Jenkins is the Americas Industrial Sales Leader for Teijin Aramid. She has worked at Teijin Aramid for 18 years in sales and new business development roles and has been an active member of the Cordage Institute for 17 years. Amy served as the Chair of the Technical Committee from 2021 to 2023 and continues to chair subcommittees. When not working on ropes or aramid, you can often find Amy cheering on her alma mater, Georgia Tech or her other favorite, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Rob Ludwig, Cancord Ropes, Inc.
Rob has over 30 years of rope making experience which includes technical knowledge and understanding of rope rescue, rigging, and fall protection industries. He is an active executive member of the CSA Z259 Committee on Fall Protection. His ability to develop life safety lines comes from hands on experience as Lieutenant and Training Officer at a large Fire Department, an instructor in Cave Rescue, and countless hours using Cancord ropes in real world applications.
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Mark Swiackey, Phillystran
Mark brings 25 years of global experience leading high performing teams, developing strategies and organizational capabilities to enable growth. Mark is currently VP/GM US Synthetics with Wireco where he is leading Phillystran and building on Lankhorst’s 2023 acquisition of Precision Tension Solutions (PTS). Previously, Mark was an executive at Samson for 17 years. Prior to the rope industry, Mark worked at Starbucks in support of global growth initiatives within international finance and supply chain operations. Mark previously served on the Cordage Institute Board of Directors from 2015 to 2021.
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Don't Miss the Fall 2024 Technical Meeting in Philadelphia | |
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The next meeting of the Cordage Institute Technical Committee will be held on October 1-2, 2024 at the dual-branded Element Philadelphia Downtown and W Philadelphia, located near Rittenhouse Square and City Hall. In addition, the Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, October 1st.
If you would like to attend the meeting, send an email to info@ropecord.com. Please indicate if you would like to attend the optional group dinner.
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Save the Date for The Cordage Institute's 2025 Annual Conference | |
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Please mark your calendar for the Cordage Institute Annual Conference on May 20-22, 2025, at the Hotel Place D'Armes in Montreal, Quebec. Hotel Place D'Aremes, located in Old Montreal, is situated in four stunning 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica. Old Montreal is a historic district that blends European charm with North American vibrancy, featuring cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and vibrant public squares. Its rich cultural heritage and bustling waterfront make it a top destination for history lovers and modern adventurers alike.
The program will feature technical working group meetings, a meeting of the Technical Committee, the annual business meeting, a technical seminar, the Sim Whitehill Golf Tournament, award presentations, and plenty of other networking opportunities.
Be on the lookout! More information on the conference and program will be sent to members and posted on the website soon.
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New Cordage Institute Members
The Cordage Institute is happy to welcome the following new members:
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Dillon Yarn is a trusted distributor of industrial, flat, and spun yarns, as well as other incidental textile items for various industries. With nearly a century of experience in the textile business, we are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our customers.
Our team brings extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise to every program, building a reputation for reliability and exceptional service. We primarily operate as a wholesale distributor, while also maintaining a small manufacturing operation to provide value-added services to our customers.
At Dillon Yarn, we are committed to putting your textile needs first, ensuring high-quality products and outstanding customer service.
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International Manufacturer Member
Seoul, South Korea
www.dsr.com
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DSR recognizes the customers total needs, not just by supplying the products required, but by a proactive approach to identify and integrate the customer's specific needs based on their unique situation and market they operate within. DSR is the sum of its people, and we empower our personnel to utilize their complete skill sets to improve each and every day. By relying on our in-house expertise, we maintain an enviable consistency in quality and continuous improvement on an on-going basis. Through rational thinking and actions needed to educate society, we maximize our effectiveness as well as excluding unproductive, inefficient factors. | |
FBI Laboratory, based in Quantico, Virginia is engaged in the forensic collection, examination, and comparison of cordage evidence, hairs, textile fibers, and fabric evidence submitted in criminal cases, and testifying as an expert witness when called upon to do so. | |
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Located in USA, Italy and Singapore, Innovarte specializes in commercializing high-performance yarns and fabrics that meet the highest standards of quality and performance for the technical textile industry. We are a foremost supplier of high-performance UHMWPE yarns and fabrics specifically designed for ropes, lifting slings and nets.
We are dedicated to delivering unique solutions to our clients by integrating cutting-edge materials, market knowledge, and technological expertise. Our commitment includes continuous research and partnerships to develop innovative products that anticipate future market needs.
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Graphene One’s parent company "QS Safety" has been making PPE protective gloves for over 30 years. In 2009, QS started development on the production of high purity graphene and graphene oxide products based on patented technology. The graphene was incorporated into fibers that were launched in 2018 as the world’s first graphene-based gloves under the tradename Kyorene® (sold in the USA by the Armor Guys LLC division). The graphene in the fibers allows for the development of high cut and abrasion resistance along with bacteriostatic, lightweight construction and comfort. Graphene One LLC, founded in 2015, sells Kyorene® polyester, nylon and viscose fiber, which contain graphene, into the textile industry for clothing such as denim, socks, shirts, underwear, jackets, and bedding. Graphene One LLC is now bringing this novel graphene based Kyorene® MAX fiber technology to the rope industry. | |
Ocean Products Research based in Diggs, Virginia has been designing, fabricating, and testing synthetic net and rope assemblies for the government, military, marine, industrial, and commercial fishing industries for close to 60 years. | |
Barnet is a global manufacturing, recycling, and trading company specializing in a wide range of fibers, polymers and yarns. In each market, our product range extends from industrial quality to specialty / high-tech products. Founded in 1898, the company is dedicated to a vision of playing a prominent role in the trade and processing of synthetic textile products. Over the last century, William Barnet & Son, LLC has built a reputation for customer service and flexibility. | |
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Knots & Notes
By Sarah Padilla, Cordage Institute Technical Director
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The Knots and N otes section of Ropecord News informs you of the standards being developed by the Cordage Institute, as well as by other industry organizations. As we develop this section of the newsletter, please let us know what type of content is of interest to you by sending an email to sarah@ropecord.com or info@ropecord.com.
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Standards Update
Updates from the Cordage Institute Standards subcommittees on how things are progressing since the last newsletter.
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The Standard Review
Updates from other standards bodies that are relevant to the cordage industry.
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Member News and Press Releases | |
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Pelican Rope Works and U.S. Rigging Supply Welcome Jacob Williams as Executive Vice President
Press Release
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Pelican Rope Works - U.S. Rigging Supply (PRW-USR), a leader in safety product manufacturing and distribution, is excited to announce the appointment of Jacob Williams as Executive Vice President. With an impressive 28 years of experience in the distribution of rope, safety, and other industrial products, Jacob brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.
Jacob's most recent role was Chief Commercial Officer at General Work Products (GWP). At GWP, Jacob played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a small startup into a nearly $100 million business, showcasing his exceptional leadership and strategic vision.
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Introducing New Honeywell Spectra® S1000 Fiber for Demanding Rope and Cordage Applications | Enhanced Performance and Durability
Press Release
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Honeywell Spectra® fiber is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber that has been trusted globally for decades. Pound-for-pound, it’s fifteen times stronger than steel by weight and more durable than polyester. This new fiber is tested and proven to deliver cut-resistant, abrasion-resistant properties, ideal to create longer life products at lower overall costs. The inherent advantages of Spectra® fibers - such as high strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and overall versatility – make the S1000 fiber ideal for use in a wide range of demanding rope and cordage applications including heavy lifting, marine mooring and towing, deep water placement and recovery, space tethers, safety lines and more. | |
Samson Signs Letter of Intent to License Applied Fiber Technology
Press Release
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Samson, the leading developer of high-performance synthetic rope solutions and services, is excited to announce a new partnership with Applied Fiber. Samson will have an industrial license for Applied Fiber's industry-leading end fitting technology. The collaboration between these two companies will allow users to expand their operational capabilities by pairing Samson's synthetic rope design and production excellence with Applied Fiber's proprietary termination solutions, enabling fiber rope use in previously incompatible systems and increasing opportunities for existing applications. | |
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Bekaert Strengthens Its Offering in Synthetic Offshore Lifting and Mooring Solutions Via the Acquisition of BEXCO
Press Release
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Bekaert announces the acquisition of BEXCO nv (“BEXCO”), a leading global player with a successful track record of more than 50 years in synthetic ropes for offshore energy production, both conventional and renewable. The acquisition, for a cash consideration of €40 million, is part of Bekaert’s growth strategy and strengthens its current offering in synthetic offshore lifting and mooring solutions.
Bekaert’s ambition is to be the leading partner for shaping the way we live and move and to do this in a way that is safe, smart, and sustainable. The transition to alternative energy sources is key to the company’s growth plans, and in particular the emerging floating offshore wind industry where the move towards deeper waters requires rope solutions to permanently moor turbines to the seabed. Bekaert already has significant experience in this field via its Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group business unit and now further strengthens its offering through the acquisition of BEXCO.
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Eurocord Autumn Meeting - 2024 | |
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These times have been significant for the Eurocord community. Important changes are underway, including a new structure and the retirement of our esteemed Technical Director, Antonio Freitas, at the end of this year. We would like to take a moment in Porto, his hometown, to express our gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to our group and to wish him a heartfelt farewell.
We will hold our General Assembly and Technical Meetings during this time.
Date & time:
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Monday, 14th October, 13h - 17h30, afternoon (half day meetings) & Dinner at 19h.
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Tuesday, 15th October, 9h – 13h, morning (half day meetings).
Location:
Hotel Solverde Spa & Wellness Center - São Félix da Marinha - Metropolitan Area of Porto, Portugal
Further info: https://www.eurocord.com/UpcomingEvents
The event is open to all Eurocord Members.
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Jersey Community Creates Giant Grass Rope Inspired by an Ancient Irish Tradition
ITV Channel
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Jersey's community took part in a social piece of artwork to create a giant rope in St Helier.
The Jersey Green Rope is a social sculpture, inspired by an ancient Irish rope-making tradition which uses locally harvested wild plants to weave the rope together.
Around a hundred people helped create a more than sixty-metre Sugán rope at the Fish Market and Broad Street throughout the week.
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World's First: Roose's Dramatic 3.6km Slackline Walk on the Messina Strait
Agnes Aneboda, RedBull
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The phenomenal Estonian slackliner, Jaan Roose, traversed over 3,600m on a thin slackline from the Italian mainland to Sicily, with the final meters becoming especially intense.
The slackline was strung between old power line pylons with varying heights, demanding spot-on precision. An eight-person team, including Roose, set it up with meticulous care. the process involved a helicopter carrying a pilot rope to guide the slackline into place, making the longest in history.
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Cordage Institute Fall 2024 Technical Meeting
October 1-2, 2024
Element Philadelphia Downtown and
W Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AWRF Fall General Meeting
October 27-30, 2024
La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf
Astoria Resort
La Quinta, California
International Workboat Show
November 12-14, 2024
Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, Louisiana
WSTDA 2025 Annual Meeting
April 27-29, 2025
Driskill Hotel
Austin, Texas
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Offshore Technology Conference
May 5-8, 2025
NGR Park
Houston, Texas
Techtextil North America
May 6-8,2025
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, Georgia
Cordage Institute 2025 Annual Conference
May 20-22, 2025
Hotel Place D’Armes
Montreal, Quebec
Techtextil Frankfurt
April 21-24, 2026
Messe Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany
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Ropecord News
Ropecord News is published by the Cordage Institute. The Cordage Institute is an international association of rope, twine, and related manufacturers, their suppliers, and affiliated industries. Articles appearing in Ropecord News are the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Cordage Institute. Members are encouraged to contribute articles and items of interest by emailing them to info@ropecord.com.
Rates for advertising are available from the Institute.
Peter M. Lance, Executive Director
Tel: 610-971-4854
Fax: 610-971-4859
E-mail: info@ropecord.com
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