Southwire is pleased to announce that Kiran Manchiraju, Vice President of Research at Southwire, has received the Mordica Memorial Award from the Wire Association International (WAI).  

The Mordica Memorial Award is the WAI’s highest technical honor. Named after John Mordica, WAI’s founding president, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the wire and cable industry through research, development, innovation or technical leadership.  

Kiran has worked at Southwire for more than 20 years. His career journey has taken him from advanced studies in physics, materials science and business, to one of the most rewarding transitions of his career: joining Southwire and moving from academia into industry. 

During his time at Southwire, Kiran says he has had the privilege of learning from visionary leaders and working alongside colleagues who have continually challenged, guided and supported his growth as the company continues to pursue innovation.  

"I am deeply honored to receive the Mordica Memorial Award. There are so many individuals I could thank—the people who nominated me for the award, my supervisors, my colleagues and many others from operations," said Kiran. "While this award carries my name, it truly belongs to Southwire and to the many people who make our success possible every day."

Kiran believes that Southwire’s executive leadership sets out a bold strategy and vision. The teams in R&D, operations and across the business translate complex scientific principles into scalable, real-world solutions all while creating a sustainable world doing so with integrity, respect and empathy for all. 

"What makes the Mordica Memorial Award so meaningful is that it’s less a personal achievement and more a reflection of a collective effort of an organization and a community of people I am proud to be part of," said Kiran. 

Here’s What Kiran’s Colleagues Had to Say About This Achievement: 

"The Wire Association’s history and mission are reflected in its Mordica Memorial Award, given as a tribute to the Association’s founding president John Mordica. The award recognizes an individual for contributions to the wire industry through research, development, innovation or other technical pursuits. It is my pleasure to congratulate the 2026 Mordica Memorial Award Medalist Mr. Kiran Manchiraju, an innovator whose achievements embody the very spirit of the Mordica Memorial Award."
– Eric Bieberich, WAI President

"This is such a remarkable honor. Throughout his career, Kiran has embodied passionate curiosity, the discipline of sustained, rigorous work and the patience required to let great ideas mature into real impact. His contributions have strengthened Southwire, advanced innovation capability and inspired generations of R&D talent. His legacy will continue to shape the future." 
– Norman Adkins, Southwire Retiree

"Congratulations, Kiran, on this incredible achievement. Winning the Mordica Memorial Award is a testament to your commitment to innovation and to the positive impact you have made not only at Southwire but to the broader wire and cable industry. Your focus on people and solving difficult issues sets a powerful example to everyone and helps to build a better and more sustainable world. On behalf of all 9,000+ team members at Southwire, congratulations again, and we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you."
– Burt Fealing, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Interim Chief People & Culture Officer

"I want to congratulate Kiran on receiving the Mordica Memorial Award. At Southwire, we’ve seen firsthand the way he blends brilliance with humility. Kiran’s work has strengthened Southwire, advanced the industry and has inspired countless team members who have been touched by his leadership. He shows us every day that excellence is not just about results, but it’s about compassion, purpose, learning and genuine care for people."
– Veronica Braker, Executive Vice President, Operations

"Kiran is a most deserving recipient of the Mordica Memorial Award as he has, for more than 20 years, taken Southwire to new levels of excellence with innovations that are truly based on science, research and novel technologies. We think of ultra-high-strength transmission conductors, the ultrasonic treatment of aluminum or tremendous advances in alloys for wire and cable manufacturing. These and many other accomplishments show that Kiran brings research and novel technology to the real world, creating sustainable differentiation."
– Axel Schlumberger, Senior Vice President, R&D, Wire & Cable

"Kiran is committed to perpetuating a contagious innovative spirit here at Southwire. This award recognizes Kiran’s notable contributions to Southwire innovation and the greater wire industry. His contributions to the conception and development of Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported ("ACSS") HS285® cable led to one of the most popular high temp low sag conductors in use today. He is also a named inventor on more than 60 U.S. and international patents across a variety of technologies including recycled metal extrusion and molten metal ultrasonic processes, generating millions in cost savings and numerous projects with the U.S. Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Kiran is a recognized leader, problem solver and mentor, making this award a well-deserved honor."
– Murrell Blackburn, Vice President, Associate General and Chief IP Counsel

Other comments received in support of Kiran included descriptions of his collaborative leadership; forward-thinking approach; ability to translate complex research into scalable, sustainable solutions; impeccable character, conviction and enthusiasm. 

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