The Prysmian Group announced that it has reached a key technology milestone in power transmission: the successful development and testing of the first 525 kV extruded submarine full cable system for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) applications.
The breakthrough will enable a massive increase of the maximum transmission capacity of bi-pole systems up to more than 2.5 GW, which is more than double the value achieved with 320 kV DC systems currently in service. The one-year prequalification testing was carried out per international standards including CIGRE TB-496 and witnessed by a third-party certification body.
“This new milestone confirms our commitment and prominent role in the development of power grids infrastructure, key for the energy transition,” said Prysmian Group CEO Valerio Battista.
HVDC cable links are key components of sustainable energy systems, to transmit large bulks of electricity over long distances, often across or between countries. This achievement will put Prysmian Group in a unique position to support forthcoming tenders for submarine interconnectors.
“On the heels of the successful industrialization of 525 kV HVDC underground cables for the 3 German HVDC links projects, we are ready to extend this innovative technology for submarine cable systems to enable our customers in the continuous effort towards the energy transition by further reducing the costs of offshore wind and minimizing the environmental impact,” said Hakan Ozmen, EVP Projects Business Unit.
The company leveraged its in-depth knowledge of materials and the capability to improve manufacturing processes to optimize a reliable industrial process with strict technological parameters and providing an entire system of cable and accessories. That includes flexible factory joints, rigid repair joints and sea-land joints with the best dielectric properties.
Russia’s EVRAZ PLC is seeking to divest the holdings of EVRAZ North America (ENA), which include Rocky Mountain Steel Mill, a plant in Pueblo, Colorado that produces wire rod.
The scope of the story is far larger as a key investor in the parent company is Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire who was on the list of oligarchs linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin. EVRAZ Plc, which purchased Pueblo’s steel mills in 2007, was hit with sanctions by the U.K. in May in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
ENA, based in Chicago, Illinois, employs more than 1,400 people in the U.S. and 1,800 in Canada, with production sites that include Pueblo, one in Portland, Oregon, and four in Canada, per the company’s website.
A report in The Pueblo Chieftain said that a letter sent by EVRAZ to ENA employees said that the “current geopolitical landscape has created a heightened level of uncertainty” over the last five months that has led to “unique challenges” in its day-to-day business operations. “However, we are in a position to change course,” the letter said. “In response to today’s reality, and to best position our organization for long-term success, EVRAZ plc, the parent of ENA, has made the difficult decision to begin a sales process of the North American business.”
Barnes Group announced that it plans to close the production operations at its Engineered Components facility in Bristol, Connecticut, which has a manufacturing focus of producing transmission springs and washers.
Per multiple reports, the demand for such products has declined as there is more production of electric vehicles that do not need those parts. The company also cited supply chain issues and inflation as factors.
The plant, which has some 95 employees, is expected to be completely closed by mid-2023. Work performed at the facility will either be transferred to other Engineered Components manufacturing locations or permanently discontinued.
Outokumpu has agreed to sell the majority of its stainless-steel long products business to the Marcegaglia Group, an Italian entity that owns some 30 steel plants.
A press release said that Outokumpu has signed an agreement to divest the majority of its long products business operations to Marcegaglia Steel Group, a leading industrial group in the steel processing sector. Outokumpu will now focus on its core business of flat stainless-steel products.
The long products operations to be sold represent about 8% of the Outokumpu Group’s sales in 2021. They include: melting, rod and bar operations in Sheffield, U.K.; bar operations in Richburg, U.S.; and a wire rod mill in Fagersta, Sweden. The transaction does not include Outokumpu Long Products AB operations in Degerfors and Storfors, Sweden. Approximately 650 employees in Sheffield, Richburg and Fagersta will transfer to the buyer as a part of the transaction.
“This divestment marks the accomplishment of the turnaround program for the Long Products business in the past two years,” said Outokumpu President and CEO Heikki Malinen. “The sale is a natural step for Outokumpu in line with our strategy to focus on our core business, stainless-steel flat products.”
Outokumpu expects to complete the divestment by the end of this year. Outokumpu Long Products AB’s units in Degerfors and Storfors in Sweden continue their operations for now as part of the Outokumpu Group, and different options are to be evaluated for the future of the units.
Ravicab Cables Private Limited announced that it has acquired Leoni Cable Solutions (India) Private Limited (LCSI), a subsidiary of Leoni AG located in Bengaluru.
A press release said that the acquisition of India’s LCSI “provides an expansion in market reach, extension in product range and finds a perfect synergy with the growth aspirations of Ravicab.” For the acquired business, this means a clear perspective for future development in terms of investment and growth. LCSI, which opened in 2013 with a production area of around 15,000 sq m, had revenues of approximately €25.5 million in 2021 and a workforce of 190 people. The plant manufactures wire and cable for domestic, industrial, signaling applications, and specialty markets.
Ravicab reported that with the LCSI acquisition, it has leverage in the specialty products business of renewable energy and railways with E-Beam cable. Ravicab, has also inherited LCSI’s processes and systems for manufacturing specialized cables, which include iconic brands like Kerpen and Icon.
The sale was part of Leoni’s Wire & Cable Solutions Division (WCS), which it has been divesting. “This sale is another step in the process of gradually selling the WCS division and concentrating our business on the Wiring Systems division (WSD).”
Per Leoni, the currently largest remaining unit in the WCS division is its Business Group Wire Products & Solutions (BG PS), a relatively small unit. “For this unit, too, we are constantly reviewing the optimal setup and the best possible future ownership structure.”
The two central units of the WCS division were the Business Groups Industrial Solutions and Automotive Cable Solutions. In other news, Leoni reports that its two Ukrainian plants—one in the Lviv region and the other in the Ivano-Frankivsk region—have continued to produce wiring harnesses, despite the challenges posted by Russia’s invasion of the country on Feb. 24.
A maxed-out field of 148 golfers took part in the New England Chapter’s 28th annual golf tournament, but based on reviews, it was a winning experience for just about everyone who was at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, Connecticut.
The winning foursome—Tom Artinian, Matt Bagdovitz and Jim Stocking, all of Hitachi Cable America, and Greg Gitto, Chroma Color—shot nine under par to take top honors. Coming in second was the team of David Gow of Primetals, Dylan Simson of Primetals and James Ayers of Data Guide Cable Corp. The chapter plans to return next year to the Tunxis Country Club, and to go back to 36 holes so up to 200 players can take part, encouraged by comments sent by participants.
• “Great that we got partnered with a potential customer. Really appreciated the networking time before dinner. Thanks!” David Gerhart, Reelex Packaging.
• “Very well organized,” John O’Dell, RSCC Wire & Cable.
• “It was a terrific event and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you!” Paul Gemelli, Gem Gravure.
• “Excellent event! Thank you!” Mim Winter,
Teknor Apex.
• “Pace of play was the best it has been ever! A+,” Dave Fisher, James Monroe.
The reviews were not unanimous, as one participant thought that the check-in process and other elements could have been better, but there was a lot of chatter at the awards dinner about how Tunxis was a better host than the Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield in 2021.
New this year, the reception featured live music sponsored by James Monroe, which added fresh energy to the networking time. The open bar was extended an extra hour so everyone had ample time to mingle once coming off the course. The reception and dinner were both held outside at the Tunxis’ pavilion, making for a less formal event. There was an extensive buffet which included two carving stations and an ice cream sundae dessert bar. Finally, most of the raffle prizes were pulled and handed out ahead of time, so that it did not slow down the dinner program as in previous years.
Chapter President Michael Sarni, Insulated Wire, Inc., gave a thumbs up to the tourney. Admittedly not an avid golfer, he said he enjoyed it so much “that I cannot wait to attend it again. Seeing the regulars and some new faces to the industry made it that much better.”
The chapter wants to thank all the sponsors.
Premium sponsors: AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc.; Amacoil, Inc.; Carris Reels, Inc.; Chase Wire & Cable Materials; Commission Brokers, Inc.; Delta Tecnic; Electric Cable Compounds, Inc.; Elkem, Inc.; Fenn Torin; Fluorogistx; Gem Gravure Co., Inc.; Insulated Wire; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; Lloyd & Bouvier, Inc.; M. Holland; Mathiasen Machinery, Inc.; The MGS Group; Multi/Cable Corp.; Rainbow Rubber; RichardsApex, Inc; SAMP USA, Inc.; Sikora; Teknikor; Ulbrich; United Wire Co., Inc.; Wire & Plastic Machinery; and Zumbach Electronics Corp.
Corporate Hole sponsors: Amaral Automation; AVIENT Corporation; Carris Reels, Inc.; Data Guide Cable Corp.; DeWal Industries (2); Elkem Inc.; Fluoropolymer Resources Inc.; Gem Gravure Co., Inc.; GEON; Graham Engineering; Insulated Wire; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp (4); Joe Snee Associates, Inc.; Lloyd & Bouvier, Inc.; M. Holland; Mantec; Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Inc.; REELEX Packaging Solutions, Inc.; RichardsApex, Inc.; SAMP USA, Inc.; Sikora; Specialty Cable Corp.; Teknikor; TriCab; Ulbrich Shaped Wire; United Wire Company; Winchester Interconnect; Wire & Cable Consulting LLC; Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.; and Zumbach Electronics Corp.
The New England Chapter outlined what will be presented at its educational event at the RFS plant in Meriden, Connecticut.
The event, which starts at 3:30 pm, will include an overview of RFS and its cable-related markets, followed by a tour with five stops, where line managers will make brief presentations on their different coax, fiber and antenna products. Following the tour, attendees will regroup for a networking dinner at River, a restaurant in Wethersfield.
The event is limited to 50 attendees, and registration will close on Oct. 25. A wait list will be available once the event is full. The cost for the event is $125 for non-WAI members, with a $25 discount for WAI New England Chapter members. RFS leadership team is choosing a charity that the New England Chapter will make a $1,000 donation to on their behalf.
Registration can be done at the chapter website.
For more details, contact: John Markowski, at tel. 203-458-4044, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
hips it is issuing for 2022, each of which will receive $2,500. Below are the winners.
Alyssa Hicks is the daughter of William Jason Hicks, technical support engineer, Gem Gravure Co., Inc. She is attending Jacksonville State University, where she is majoring in family and consumer sciences.
Owen LaRoss is the son of Michael LaRoss, corporate controller, Whitney Blake Co. He is attending Merrimack College, with an undeclared major.
Timothy McComiskey is the son of Thomas McComiskey, vice president of engineering, MGS Group. He is attending the University of Rhode Island, where he is majoring in pharmacy.
Andrew Person is the son of Kim Person, purchasing, Insulated Wire. He is attending SUNY College at Oneonta, where he is majoring in biology.
Ashley Potvin is the granddaughter of Kenneth Potvin, vice president of sales, Teknikor. She is attending Quinnipiac University, where she is majoring in public relations.
Aidan Tomaz is the grandson of John Tomaz, vice president, Wardwell Braiding Machine Co. He plans to attend Louisville University, where he is majoring in sports management.
The WAI is seeking papers for Interwire 2023. Accepted papers will be presented at the event, to be held May 9-11, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Papers are sought that address advances in the industry that fall under: Industry 4.0 trends, wire and cable making strategies, workforce insights and technical progress in all sectors. Abstracts are due Nov. 18, 2022, notice of acceptance is Dec. 2, 2022, and manuscripts are due March 3, 2023.
Abstracts can be submitted at https://goo.gl/svxgvq. Accepted authors receive a one-year WAI membership and complimentary conference registration.
Martin Thacker has plenty of experience as the British representative for WAI’s 2022 clockwinding ceremony, having served in that role for the prior two years. However, this time, he will be the one doing the actual winding when he visits WAI’s office on Nov. 3.
On Nov. 11, 2020, Thacker served as the first-ever virtual clockwinder as part of a special Association meeting that also included the WAI’s Annual Meeting and the presentation of the Mordica Award. He spoke from his home in Britain, and discussed the significance of the tradition. Each year, a representative for the British wire and cable industry comes to rewind the stately grandfather clock that they gave to the Association on Oct. 20, 1948, in appreciation of the support given during World War II.
On Nov.17, 2021, Thacker again performed his duties before a meeting of the WAI’s Board of Directors. Both times he talked about the value of maintaining close ties. “I am disappointed not to be with you in person today,” said Thacker, who is a Liveryman of the Court of the Worshipful Company of Tinplate Workers Alias Wireworkers (Tinplate Workers) in London. “Last year I had the honor of being the first person to conduct the clock winding ceremony via virtual means. I am now the very first person to have conducted the clock winding ceremony via virtual means twice in succession!”
Now Thacker—whose grandfather was a wiredrawer in Sheffield, and his father worked for Markham and Company Ltd., as did his uncle—will be back for the third time in the flesh.
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