Southwire is pleased to announce that it has joined Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center as an Industry and Innovation Board member. ASPIRE is a NSF Generation 4 Engineering Research Center that conducts vital research and development to catalyze sustainable and equitable electrification across the transportation industries. 

“Innovation is all around us, and Southwire is proud to partner toward progress that will bring us into the next generation of technology,” said Richard Oglesby, senior vice president of Industrial at Southwire. “We are thrilled to become an ASPIRE member and join their network in the research, development and implementation of electrified roadways and transportation improvements. As our president and CEO Rich Stinson often says, it’s a great time to be in the electrical industry, and this is yet another example. Southwire is proud to advance the growth of this initiative and the impact it will have on our industry and, more importantly, our communities.”  

Southwire's participation underscores the crucial role of the materials manufacturing industry in pioneering the future of technology related to electric vehicles and electrified roadways.  

“As the leading wire and cable provider in the US, Southwire’s addition to the ASPIRE partner network offers a natural strategic connection and confirms the magnitude of the opportunity for the worldwide transition to electrified roadways and electric vehicles,” said Michael Masquelier, Chief Commercial Officer at ASPIRE.  

Southwire's involvement in this endeavor is pivotal in driving transformation to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, real-world applications. The company’s expertise in manufacturing a wide range of electrical products positions it uniquely to contribute to and benefit from the advancements in electrified transportation with the ASPIRE team. 

About ASPIRE  

ASPIRE leads the efforts of close to 400 global contributors working in sync towards facilitating widespread electrification of all vehicle classes and catalyzing the creation of public infrastructure that provides an inexpensive, seamless charging experience. 

ASPIRE initiatives help reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality and public health and protect the environment while supporting economic development through reduced cost and scale efficiencies, clean transportation workforce skilling and job creation and equitable access across these opportunities for all. Efforts are integrated across multiple disciplines, including engineering, social science, policy and business through close collaboration with 10 top-tier universities, over 60 industry, government and non-profit members across all sections of the electric transportation ecosystem, as well as community partners and advisors at every level of society.

For more information about Southwire’s commitment to sustainability, visit https://www.southwire.com/sustainability. 

For more information about ASPIRE, visit www.aspire.usu.edu.