Who is WHMA?

Who is WHMA?

Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association

The Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA) was established in September of 1993 with nine (9) Board Members, and held WHMA’s Inaugural Conference in April of 1994 in conjunction with Contract Manufacturers Expo (CME) in Novi, MI.  A general assembly meeting took place as well as technical and educational sessions. Tabletop displays presented by suppliers to the industry were well received by over 200 attendees.

The First Annual Convention was held September 25-27, 1994 at the Ramada O’Hare in Rosemont, IL was packed with activities and was very well attended. The schedule of events included a networking reception, committee meetings and presentations.

WHMA decided to hire a Chicago based management association to manage the WHMA organization and entitled them with the position of Executive Director. This organization worked with the WHMA association for over ten (10) years managing WHMA, and during this time period WHMA’s membership grew from 90 to 180 manufacturer / supplier total members.

Also, in 1994 the “Wiring Harness News” (WHN) of Richmond, IL launched as the only main wire harness / cable assembly industry journal. WHN partnered with WHMA to give WHMA members a free subscription of this very informative industry print magazine.

In the fall of 1998, WHMA signed MOU agreement with IPC of Northbrook, IL in developing a set of the industry wire harness / cable assembly standards & workmanships called the IPC/WHMA-A-620 Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness and Assemblies. These guidelines have been a very valuable asset to the WHMA members, and other industry companies especially in today’s world of standards as this document has evolved from an “A” to “D” level of revisions for certifications & training.

In January 2019, WHMA signed an Affiliation Agreement with IPC as the Executive Director to manage the WHMA organization and continue with the successful growth along with creating more value of opportunities for the current / new membership in the very near future. There are now approximately 250 WHMA Manufacturer / Supplier total members, and 9 Board of Directors along with several Board Advisors.

Lastly, WHMA has held annual conferences each year alternating across the USA by providing very valuable industry “Best Practices, Networking, Roundtables, Supplier Exhibits & Education Sessions” along with some very interesting Keynote Speakers.  This conference provides you with an opportunity to learn, grow, share, and discover new approaches to many aspects of the wire harness industry.