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Lake Cable, a fourth-generation U.S. wire and cable manufacturer, celebrated the official opening on Oct. 16 of the company’s newest expansion: an existing 180,000-sq-ft building formerly owned by bearings manufacturer Regal Beloit that is located adjacent to its plant on Evans Avenue in Valparaiso, Indiana.

“Lake Cable is very proud to be a member of the great Valparaiso community,” said Lake Cable CEO Bill Runzel, who was joined by Valparaiso, state and other leaders in celebrating the opening of the company’s newest facility. “This new facility allows Lake Cable to continue to expand our successful industrial power insulated cable business.”

Runzel noted that since Lake Cable started its plant in Valparaiso in 2013, the operation has grown to 368,000 square feet under roof and nearly 200 employees. In the last two years, the company has invested more than $7.5 million in new equipment, and it will be installing new production lines and hiring more people from the Valparaiso community in the next few years.

The company had long been interested in the Regal Beloit building, which was closed, but it had only become available a while ago. It was in good shape, and the extra capacity it will offer Lake Cable makes it a sound addition.
Established in 1995, Lake Cable has more than 620 employees throughout its five locations in Indiana and Illinois. Lake Cable manufactures UL listed low voltage electronic, industrial, utility, custom OEM and broadcast quality cable.

Lake Cable also believes in giving back to charities such as MS and pediatric cancer, by actively supporting a wide range of fund-raising events over the years. Some of those include the Veterans Airlift Command, the Runzel Brothers Spring Shoot and MuckFest MS Chicago.



Last modified on November 5, 2023

Cabopol Polymer Compounds (Cabopol), a Portuguese supplier of thermoplastic and crosslinked compounds, announced that it is expanding its global presence with a new production unit in Monterrey, Mexico.

A company spokesman said that the new plant, which will cover some 10,000 sq m, is located in the heart of Monterrey’s industrial zone. It is expected to be operational by year’s end, at which time it will represent the company’s first compounding production in the Americas.

A press release said that the plant will use the latest technology and equipment to produce high-quality polymer compounds at a competitive cost. It will start with two production lines with annual capacity of 25,000 tons and be able to expand that to meet its commitment to growth and innovation in the polymer industry.

The new production unit will initially focus on supplying compounds for the wire and cable industry, with a specific emphasis on serving the automotive sector. The new capacity will improve supply chain efficiency and reduce lead times for customers in the Mexican and American markets. Future plans include expanding offerings to provide solutions for a broader range of industries. “In the first stage, we will supply Mexican clients, but we are looking forward to develop the market all along South and Northern American potential customers.”

The press release said that this initiative “will pave the way for our expansion in this region.” It notes that it follows the successful operations of company production units in Serbia, Morocco and Portugal. Cabopol Sales Director Anselmo Mendes said that the Monterrey plant “marks a pivotal moment for (us). ... We are excited to better serve our customers and contribute to the growth of the local economy.”



Last modified on November 5, 2023

Madem-Moorecraft Reels USA recently opened its second manufacturing plant in Denton, Texas, USA, with an opening ceremony attended by a range of elected officials as well as customers, suppliers and shareholders.

A press release said that the completed first phase of the new Denton plant increases Madem-Moorecraft total current production capacity by 50% (150 truckloads of kits/month). Next year, phase two will be completed, providing an additional 50% capacity increase. The total investment will top $14 million and create more than 100 jobs. Madem-Moorecraft currently supplies wood and plywood reels to 42 cable manufacturing plants in the U.S.

Marcos Conde Ramalho, president of Madem-Moorecraft Reels USA, said that the new plant represents the company’s most advanced industrial engineering project. “This manufacturing system is made up of innovative machinery, and brings pride to the Madem-Moorecraft team and Madem Group worldwide. It all has been designed to deliver unparalleled wooden and plywood reel experience to the North American cable industry.”

“The Denton team is very excited for the future of this facility. We could not have done this without the support from the Tarboro North Carolina team and the Madem Group team in Brazil!” said Josh McCoy, general manager of Madem-Moorecraft Reels USA.

Expanding the assembly and distribution network is a key to the company’s future, said Stephen J. Redhage, vice president and general manager. “Having two manufacturing plants provides that foundation.”

The Madem Group is a world leader in wooden reel manufacturing, supplying more than 200 cable manufacturers in some 45 countries. It has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, USA, Spain and Bahrain.


Last modified on November 5, 2023

A joint venture between NKT HV Cables AB—part of the NKT Group—and Walsin Lihwa recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a submarine cable plant in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The factory will produce high- and medium-voltage AC offshore power cables, mainly for the Taiwanese offshore wind market.

A press release said that the JV, to be called Walsin Energy Cable System Co., Ltd., is expected to be completed in 2025, and fully operational in 2027, at which time it will be Taiwan’s first such cable plant. Located in the Phase One area of the Kaohsiung Intercontinental Container Terminal, the submarine cable plant will have a site area of 233,888 sq m and 59,828 sq m of building area. The plant will produce high-voltage export and inter array cables for offshore wind turbine power generation.

The partnership pairs the resources of the NKT Group, which has advanced submarine cable technologies, with Walsin Lihwa, an industrial conglomerate whose production includes a wide range of power cables and wire. Established in 1966, Walsin Lihwa Corporation has more than 10,000 employees across Taiwan, China, USA, Italy, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is based in Taipei, Taiwan.
“Local production ensures a steady supply of submarine cables, a critical component for the development of offshore wind power generation industry, and of strategic importance to Taiwan’s grid resilience,” said Walsin Lihwa Chairman Yu-Lon Chiao, who observed that the collaboration “marks a significant milestone in the development of Walsin Lihwa’s power cable business. Together, we intend to establish close relationships with our key customers, Taiwan wind power developers, as a preferred supplier of high quality and price competitive submarine cables.”

Will Hendrikx, COO and Deputy CEO of NKT, said that the company is honored to be a partner in the project. “With Walsin being a reputable and strong cable maker, combined with NKT’s experience in submarine cables, we see a great opportunity to establish a local champion for submarine cable production.”

Last modified on November 5, 2023

Iowa Spring acquires Northeast SpringIowa Spring has acquired Northeast Spring of Reading, Pennsylvania, a family owned-and-operated business that has supplied custom-made springs for more than 25 years.

A press release said that the acquisition, which closed Sept. 15, expands Iowa Spring’s growing presence as the premier supplier of precision-made springs for the overhead door, construction, agriculture, and recreational equipment industries across the globe.

“I am so proud to be able to offer a place for Northeast Spring’s legacy to continue,” said Iowa Spring CEO Tim Bianco. Northeast Spring primarily serves the overhead door industry, with operations at its headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania, and its facility in Villa Rica, Georgia. The company name and management team will remain intact with founder John O’Leary remaining onboard for the next three years.
Northeast Spring makes custom springs from .080 to .625 wire range including 302/304 stainless steel, music wire, chrome silicon, oil tempered wire and hard drawn wire.

“With so many spring companies being acquired by large private equity groups, it was essential to me to find a like-minded buyer that could be trusted to keep our team intact and who could uphold our company’s legacy and reputation,” O’Leary said. “Our team has worked tirelessly for more than two decades to build a highly respected company that is focused on family values, quality and integrity. Iowa Spring is a perfect match.”

Iowa Spring President & CEO Tim Bianco will oversee operations of Northeast Spring in addition to its three existing facilities: the original Iowa Spring facility, its recent 55,000-sq-ft nearby expansion facility, and its sister company, Southern Atlantic Spring, in Granite Quarry, North Carolina. The companies’ combined capabilities will position the Iowa Spring group to provide a wide depth and breadth of high quality, custom manufactured springs while maintaining a “customer-centric” focus, he said.

Last modified on November 5, 2023

India’s STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd.) announced the official launch of its new manufacturing facility in Lugoff, South Carolina, a $56 million investment that will serve the growing demand for optical fiber cable.

A press release said that the 168,000-sq-ft factory—referred to as the “Palmetto Plant,” after the state tree— represents STL’s commitment to “Made in America.” It is the company’s first such manufacturing plant in the U.S., employing more than 150 people. The site was inaugurated by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and lauded by STL Managing Director and Whole Time Director Ankit Agarwal.

Paul Atkinson, CEO of STL’s Optical Business Division, told WJI that the project—which had not been previously announced—is STL’s first such production site in the U.S. The company, he noted, has been serving the U.S. market for many years through its global production facilities, with some local value add in the years past.

“This facility mirrors our ethos and STL’s larger purpose: Transforming Billions of Lives by Connecting the World,” Atkinson said. “I am excited to see its impact on America’s rural connectivity and digital landscape.”

The plant will serve the market demand generated by 5G, FTTx, and the push for rural broadband, specializing in future-ready optical solutions, including high fiber count cables with smaller diameters. The focus will extend to pioneering designs, notably high-capacity ribbonized cables and ruggedized designs for rural deployments. Listed on Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India, STL is active in more than 150 countries and holds many patents.

Of note, STL has partnered with TruVista, also based in South Carolina, manufacturing and building fiber networks “for South Carolina from South Carolina.” Since 2021, STL has provided optical fiber cables to TruVista, a 125-year-old provider of broadband services and applications—that has been active expanding fiber optic connectivity across rural South Carolina. Fittingly, “TruVista even provides fiber connectivity to STL’s Optical Fiber Cable facility in South Carolina, highlighting the collaborative nature of this partnership. Looking ahead, STL is working toward growing this partnership further to continue rural FTTH deployment in South Carolina and beyond.”

Outside the U.S., STL operates manufacturing facilities in six different locations in India. That includes one plant that was the first optical fiber cable plant in India to receive zero waste to landfill certification.

Last modified on October 4, 2023

Prysmian wins €630 million contract from Terna for Adriatic submarine cable project

The Prysmian Group has been awarded a contract worth approximately €630 million from a subsidiary of Terna SpA, an Italian power grid operator (TSO), that will connect the Italian regions of Abruzzo and Marche.

A press release said that the Adriatic Link project route runs for approximately 250 km. It will be made up of two submarine cables accounting for some 210 km across the Adriatic Sea. The project also includes some 40 km of two underground cables connecting each landing point to the regional substation. Prysmian will also be responsible for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) submarine interconnection.

The submarine cables with XLPE insulation will be made in Arco Felice, Italy, while the underground cables with P-laser insulation will be made in Gron, France. The HVDC bipolar cable line will allow transmission capacity up to 1,000 M, increasing the exchange of energy between Italy’s central-southern and central-northern areas.

The Group has made major investments in Arco Felice to strengthen its production capacity, transforming the plant as a technology hub for submarine power transmission cables in Europe. Installation will be carried out by two Prysmian Group’s cable-laying vessels: the Leonardo da Vinci and the Monna Lisa. The cable laying should be completed within the first half of 2028.

“This award confirms the mutual trust and long-standing relationship between Terna and Prysmian Group, as this is the latest of several projects we are working on with the Italian TSO,” H. Ozmen, EVP Projects BU, said in a statement. He noted that the project furthers development of strategic infrastructure by making available the best “Made in Italy” submarine cable technology, contributing to the enhancement of power transmission in the center of mainland Italy, “in line with the goals set out in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), to further support Italy’s role as an electricity hub for Europe and the whole Mediterranean region.”

Including this contract, Prysmian Group’s Projects BU order intake exceeds €10 billion year to date, including preferred bidder agreements. The project will contribute to de-carbonzation of Italy’s energy system, reinforcing Italy’s role as the Mediterranean energy hub.

Last modified on October 4, 2023

B.V. Twentsche Kabelfabriek (TKF), part of TKH Group N.V., officially opened its new production facility for fiber optic cables on Sept. 6 in Rawicz, Poland, an initiative described as an important company milestone.

A press release said that, with the new facility, TKF has doubled its fiber optic cable production capacity in Europe, which allows it to partially replace production capacity in China. The Rawicz location will bolster TKH’s ability “to supply Europe with innovative fibre optic cable solutions.”

The new plant, at full capacity, will have more than 75 full-time jobs at the site. It has some 10,000 sq m of space dedicated to fiber optic cable production. Construction began last March, “and now, just one and a half years later, the factory is already operational.”

The new facility is in line with TKF’s commitment towards a sustainable future. It was designed to meet ESG goals that include, among others, the use of a state-of-the-art UV LED, LED lighting and solar power.

“There is a great sense of pride among the workers here and the community,” said TKF Telecom Director Wim Bank. “Our expansion is an exciting move for TKF. By significantly increasing capacity in the European Union, we enhance our ability to meet the needs of our customers and strengthen our European competitiveness.”

The new cable factory is at the same location as E&E Cable Solutions. Both are part of the TKH Group. TKF, founded in 1930, has developed from a cable manufacturer to a technologically leading supplier of connectivity solutions. In June it announced that it had been awarded a cable supply contract by Ørsted, the global leader in offshore wind power. That project calls for it to supply and terminate close to 200 km of inter-array cables and other cables including accessories and connectors, all operating 66 kV for the 920 MW Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms in Taiwan.

Last modified on October 4, 2023

M. Holland Company, a U.S.-based international distributor of thermoplastic resins and ancillary materials for sectors that include wire and cable, has been acquired by the Ravago Group, a Swiss-based business that has more than 45 manufacturing plants in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed,

but a press release said the founding Holland family will retain a significant stake. Following the close of the transaction, M. Holland will continue to operate independently as a subsidiary of the Ravago Group family of companies, and its existing management team—including CEO and Board Chairman Ed Holland and President and COO Marc Fern—will continue to lead it.

“This transaction is an important inflection point for M. Holland as it places the company on a clear path to continued and long-term success,” Ed Holland said. “Following an exhaustive review of strategic paths, we determined the best way to serve our stakeholders and set up M. Holland for success over the next 70 years was to partner with an organization that shared our passion for employees, customers and suppliers. Ravago Group is that partner.”

Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, M. Holland has over $1.5 billion in annual sales, partners with more than 4,000 customers annually, and serves over 70 countries across North America, LATAM, EMEA and Asia. M. Holland has offices located in the U.S., Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Netherlands.

The Ravago Group, a global plastic production and distribution company, specializes in polymer and chemical distribution, building materials, recycling and raw materials. Its activities include distribution, resale and manufacturing, as well as business services and supply chain solutions. It has operations in more than 325 locations across North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, with its American headquarters located in Orlando, Florida.

“M. Holland is a well-known and respected name in the plastics industry, and we are thrilled to welcome (it)to the Ravago Group family of companies,” said Ravago Holdings America President and CEO Jim Duffy.

The transaction is subject to closing conditions

Last modified on December 4, 2023

NKT confirms that it has a capacity reservation from SSEN Transmission for Scottish power cable projects that it was previously given status as a preferred bidder.

A press release said that NKT has now reserved production and offshore installation capacity for SSEN Transmission for power cables for the two HVDC transmission lines that link Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead. The projects will strengthen the interconnection of the Scottish transmission grid.

The parties have agreements ensuring production and offshore installation capacity for the 525 kV XLPE high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power cable systems for the two Scottish projects. NKT will be responsible for both on- and off-shore cable systems for the two links. The combined value of the two projects has not been set but is estimated to top €1 billion. Both projects are scheduled for completion in 2030.

“The reservation of production and offshore installation capacity is an important milestone in the great collaboration with SSEN Transmission and our continuous support of the green transition in Scotland,” said NKT President and CEO Claes Westerlind. “The projects are an excellent fit with our decision to expand our high-voltage production capacity in Karlskrona and add a new market leading cable-laying vessel to our fleet.”

The Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead offshore HVDC transmission links are part of The Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design (HND) which is a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across Great Britain that is required to help meet U.K. and Scottish Governments 2030 renewable energy and climate change targets. The Western Isles cable route calls for some 160 km of 525 kV HVDC cable, to be completed by the end of 2024, and the Spittal-Peterhead cable route calls for some 220 km of 525kV HVDC, to be completed by the end of 2025.

Last modified on October 4, 2023

Southwire Company, LLC, and Resideo Technologies, Inc., announced that they have entered into an agreement that would see Southwire acquiring Genesis Wire & Cable business, a leading low-voltage wire and cable manufacturer based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

A press release said that the transaction was expected to close in the next 30 days, subject to customary closing conditions. With 187 employees, Genesis manufactures approximately 70% of its products in-house and purchases the remaining 30% as finished goods ready for distribution from other third-party manufacturers.

“We are excited to welcome the Genesis team to Southwire,” said Southwire’s President and CEO Rich Stinson. “The strong brand and quality reputation Genesis has built over the last three decades is a perfect fit for Southwire and our focus on innovation, service and quality. Their product offering provides an opportunity to share our innovative solutions with even more customers, positioning us for success both now and in the future.”

Genesis’s products provide critical connection for a wide range of residential and commercial applications, including comfort, security, network and communications, entertainment, and fire and safety. It serves a broad set of distributors, dealers and professional contractor customers.

“We’re excited to welcome the Genesis Cable team to Southwire,” said Norman Adkins, COO at Southwire. “The company’s expertise in low-voltage wire and cable production will be instrumental as we continue to expand into new and emerging markets, especially within the Security and HVAC sales channels.”

Last modified on October 4, 2023

Orion S.A., a global specialty chemicals producer, is investing €12.8 million to further develop and demonstrate a climate-neutral process for producing carbon black—used in multiple products, included wire and cable—from alternative carbon sources.

A press release said that a research facility is being built for the project at Orion’s main innovation center at its plant in Cologne, Germany. The technology is designed to improve Orion’s yield and throughput in the production of carbon black using circular feedstocks and thus potentially reduce the carbon footprint of the process by a significant amount. This could accelerate the shift to a circular economy and feed the growing demand for sustainable materials in the tire industry.

Half of the €12.8 million Orion plans to invest in this initiative, called the “Clean Carbon Black Research and Development Project,” will be provided by the decarbonization program of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. It will also be supported by the EU’s NextGenerationEU fund.

“We are grateful for the funding from the EU and the German government,” said Orion CEO Corning Painter. “It shows a great commitment to innovation and creating a circular economy.”

Last modified on December 4, 2023

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