PBN Manufacturing Awards 2024
MEET THE MAKERS: Wardwell Braiding Co.
JOHN TOMAZ FLIPS a switch and a familiar mechanical humming echoes through Wardwell Braiding Co.’s manufacturing floor in Central Falls.
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It’s the sound of many carriers, bobbins and wires working in harmony within one of Wardwell’s braiding machines to produce a single braid.
Eight carriers – the cylinders that hold the bobbins – are mounted on metal rings that rotate in the opposite direction from another set of eight carriers positioned just above. As the carriers rotated, Tomaz, vice president of Wardwell, pointed to a single strand weaving its way through the intricate system of parts and up into the braid that was forming on top of the machine.
Wardwell’s braiding machines, used across industries such as textiles, medical, food and cables, create intricate braids essential for various applications, such as shielding cables from interference. Raw materials are transformed into machines with 200 to 1,000 parts, each assembled and tested before shipment.
“Right from the beginning, we were involved in the cable and wire industry,” Tomaz said.
Wardwell’s machines are known for their longevity, with the company continuing to support and repair machines sold decades ago. Tomaz recalls discovering machines sold in 1970 during a visit to Mexico, highlighting the durability of Wardwell’s products. The company produces hundreds of machines annually, ranging from 16-carrier to 144-carrier models, each built with precision and craftsmanship.
Wardwell faced significant challenges in 2001 when manufacturing began shifting to Asia, affecting the company’s financial stability. During this time, many of Wardwell’s clients went through mergers or shut down operations, leading to a decline in demand. Compounding these challenges, Wardwell acquired a German company, which led to financial strain and receivership in 2009.
However, the German-based Wilms Group purchased Wardwell in late 2009, helping the company recover. Since then, Wardwell has thrived, never experiencing a negative month or layoffs. Tomaz attributes the company’s success to its commitment to both customers and employees, ensuring the longevity of its workforce and maintaining strong relationships with clients.
“When we leave here, we want the company to still be here,” Tomaz said. “We want people to be employed and we want our customers to rest at ease.”
