Madem-Moorecraft, part of Brazilian-based Madem Reels Group reports that it has just completed the installation of a new, fully automatic production line for nailed wooden reels at its U.S. plant in Tarboro, North Carolina.

A press release said that the new line uses the latest technology for automated CNC machines and the company’s proprietary ink jet printing system. The investment is projected to increase annual sales capacity up to $35 million dollars. Madem-Moorecraft will potentially serve more than 25 cable manufacturers in the North American market.

“These new machines will support our sales growth and planned expansion of assembly and distribution centers throughout North America,” said Vice President of Sales Steve Redhage.
Leandro Mazzoccato, global sales director of Madem Reels Group, said that the investment confirms Madem Group’s intention to increase its U.S. market share. “We also plan to open five more distribution and assembly centers within the USA, during 2020. For 2021, we are starting studies for a second production plant in the U.S.”

The Madem Reels Group has manufacturing plants in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, U.S., Spain and Bahrain. It projects 2020 revenues of $130 million dollars from supplying nailed wooden reels to some 150 cable manufacturers in 45 countries.

Germany’s Klüber Lubrication München SE & Co. KG, has acquired TRAXIT International GmbH, whose operations include TRAXIT North America.|

A press release said that with the acquisition, the TRAXIT Group now becomes part of the Klüber Lubrication Group. Based in Germany with manufacturing sites also in China and the U.S., TRAXIT provides the wire drawing industry with a complete range of lubricants for all wire applications. It has subsidiaries, agents or representatives present in over 150 countries.

TRAXIT will continue to be responsible for the operative management of its businesses. The company’s headquarters will remain in Schwelm.

Questions sent by WJI about whether any organizational changes were planned, led to the following rely: “There are strategic and operational synergies that are currently being examined, prioritized and then implemented.”

U.K.-based Elmeridge Cables Limited (ECL) reports that it recently delivered two contracts for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

A press release said that the company was asked by BAS to supply two lengths of double-armored CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) cable for two Royal Research Survey vessels. The separate contracts were for a single 8,000-meter length for the RRS James Clark Ross and a single 10,000-meter length for the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Both vessels work in very sensitive and often extreme weather environments, so production had to be perfect.

“BAS stipulated that to avoid slippage on the winch during deployment and recovery, no grease or oil could be applied on or to the armor wires of Galvanized Improved Plow Steel (GIPS), an assurance we were happy to give,” said Des Smith, owner/managing director at Elmeridge Cables Ltd. He added that BAS strict specifications for the diameter and width of the cables drums, even down to hole size for the spindle, to allow direct loading and unloading of the drums to and from the winches on board both vessels.

Cortland Cable Co. plans to close operations at its River Street plant in Cortland, New York.

Per a report in the Cortland Standard, a representative for the parent company, Actuant Corp., confirmed the closure. One cause, it said, was a decline in the oil and gas industry, which is a primary customer for the company’s cables. It also reported that production of ropes at the Cortland plant is moving to other company facilities in Texas and Washington. Another factor was that new technologies—such as new battery, communication and autonomous solutions—have led to remaining cable customers moving to different solutions.

Martin Kenner, president of Commission Brokers, Inc., reports that he has been engaged by Corltand Cable to liquidate manufacturing assets not being transferred from that facility. Kenner can be contacted at tel. 401-943-3777, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Komax reports that it has acquired Exmore, a Belgium specialist in equipment used for making sensor cables.

A press release said that Exmore, which was founded in 1993, has focused on equipment for processing sensor cables, which makes it a valuable addition for Komax. It offers equipment for cutting, stripping, crimping, marking, welding and testing cables as well as related electronics. “With the advent of autonomous vehicles, the number of sensor cables will continue to increase, thus driving the demand for solutions for automated processing.”

Exmore, based in Beerse, has approximately 60 employees. Its customers are active in a range of market segments including automotive industry, consumer electronics, industrial, aerospace and medical technology.

Komax, based in Switzerland, has production facilities in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa where it manufactures “series and customer-specific machinery, catering for every degree of automation and customization. It provides local sales and service support in more than 60 countries through subsidiaries and independent representatives.” The company has more than 40 companies that collectively employ more than 2,200 people.