

Our Association was formed in 1975 and incorporated the following year by a group of concerned businessmen who felt there was a need for sling fabricators and special rigging components manufacturers to join together to form a trade association. Originally created by representatives from nine companies in the United States, in two decades the organization grew to address the needs of over 400 member companies worldwide.
AWRF promotes interests common among companies manufacturing, fabricating, or distributing lifting, rigging and load securement devices made of chain, rope, and synthetic products. The association works to establish, acquire, preserve, and disseminate various technical information, and encourages the development of safety standards and programs, and product identification procedures. Assistance has been provided for establishing and maintaining adequate products liability insurance, as well as other insurance needs of the industry. Common problems and purposes of the industry, such as those involving production, distribution, service and safety are reviewed and advanced by lawful means on a regular basis.
We conduct two general membership meetings each year which feature speakers on economics, safety, regulation, product knowledge, current legislation and other pertinent subjects. Panels discuss problems of concern for the small business owner. AWRF supports the activities of standing committees which address subjects such as safety, insurance, technical matters, testing, government affairs, tagging and identification. Our AWRF quarterly newsletter, SLINGMAKERS, keeps all members abreast of the latest developments in the industry.
AWRF sends delegates to participate in the activities of other associations such as ASTM, ASME, CVSA, as well as The Wire Rope Technical Board, and we maintain ALPHA Projects, dialogs on matters of common concern, with other trade and technical organizations such as The National Association of Chain Manufacturers, The Cordage Institute, The Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, LEEA, OIPEEC and The Construction Safety Association of Ontario.
Our mission statement is adapted from the By-Laws of the Association. It clearly defines the intent and direction of Associated Wire Rope Fabricators and is as follows:
The members of Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) recognize a responsibility to promote ethical business practices within the industry. In pursuit of that goal, the Association hereby adopts the following principles and guidelines:
AWRF has adopted a code of ethics, and a guide to the antitrust laws of the United States. We retain legal counsel to guide the actions of a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the membership at large. A business office has been established as the communications center of the industry. Our aim is to keep the highest possible quality of service to the lifting, rigging, and load securement industry.
The professionals who are members of AWRF are constantly striving to maintain the highest standards of quality and service obtainable in the industry. There are many advantages for a firm that joins and actively participates in our association. Most important, the consumer that avails himself of services and supplies from an AWRF member company can feel secure that he is purchasing from a professional firm which is striving for excellence.