10/1/21 – Nexans announced that it has entered into a share purchase agreement with Xignux SA of Mexico to acquire Centelsa, a premium cable maker in Latin America, for an undisclosed price.
A press release said that Centelsa, based in Colombia, produces cable for building and utilities applications. It was described as an “iconic world class cable maker,” with annual revenues of more than US$250 million and an enterprise value of US$225 million. The closing, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to take place in the first half of 2022.
The Centelsa acquisition “is fully aligned with (our) strategic ambition to become a pure electrification player,” said Nexans CEO Christopher Guérin. The addition will further contribute to Nexans’s ability to serve renewable projects in the Andean Region and enhance its capacity in building and energy distribution.
“This combination will be the stepstone to grow our best-in-class solutions and unique premium brand,” said Viakable-Centelsa CEO Sergio Valdes. “The Centelsa team has demonstrated, for more than six decades, professionalism in delivering high value to our customers. As a global player in energy transmission, Nexans is a great fit to lead the next phase of growth for Centelsa´s customers and employees. Jointly, there is a promising future ahead.”
Centelsa was cited as being the first cable manufacturer in Colombia. Per Centelsa’s website, the company’s origin traces back to 1955, when INCE Ltda (Industria Nacional de Conductores Eléctricos) started its operation in the city of Cali, manufacturing low-voltage cables as magnet wire for applications in motor winding. In 1961, Ceat General of Colombia S.A. was established through the merger with U.S.-based General Cable Corporation and Italy’s Ceat International. It expanded in 1980 with a second plant, then a third in 1993. In 1994, CENTELSA (Cables De Energia Y Telecomunicaciones S.A.) was formed by the merger of Ceat General De Colombia S.A., Facomec and Fadaltec S.A. In 2012, it became part of the Viakable, the cables division of Xignux, a Mexican industrial group.
Over the years, Centelsa won numerous awards and certifications. Today, it has a network of strategically located offices to cover the national and international market, thus offering an opportune service.
9/30/21 – It's October already but not too late to register for the IWCS starting this Monday, October 4th, kicking off with the annual Executive Session for Management, Panel Discussion, and Keynote presentation. Take in the Technical Sessions and Virtual Exhibition for the balance of the week!
Executive Session
This program element presents important information you need to manage your business. This session is designed for the general management of the wire and cable producing companies and their suppliers. Important issues facing the industry will be addressed by expert speakers in a provocative session which will be followed by a panel of industry leaders reflecting on the issues. Presentations by key industry analysts and market experts are featured as follows:
2021 Executive Session Presentations
A Wire And Cable Market Boom Amid Risks, Chenfei Wang, Senior Analyst, CRU International.
Opportunities For The Optical Cable Market In A Post-Pandemic World, Michael Finch, Head of Wire & Cable, CRU International
Global Economic Outlook, Robert Fry, Chief Economist, Robert Fry Economics
Panel Discussion
Insightful perspectives and answer your questions on Connectivity Technology Trends and Critical Infrastructure. Chenfei Wang, Michael Finch, and Robert Fry will join the following panelists to comprise a well-rounded panel that includes: Trevor Smith, VP of Strategy & Business Development, CommScope; Ric Johnson, SVP Broadband Networks, CommScope; Boh DuPree, Dir. Network Investments, Facebook; and Roland Montagne, Principal Analyst/Director IDATE/DigiWorld Institute.
Keynote Address
Demand/Needs for Connectivity Infrastructure in a Post Pandemic World, Trevor Smith, VP of Strategy & Business Development, CommScope
Visit www.iwcs.org.
9/23/21 – Madison, Connecticut, USA. The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. will host a Virtual Industry 4.0 Conference along with its 91st Annual Convention on Oct. 26-27, 2021, as a continuation of its educational mission. The virtual format gives registrants the opportunity to participate from any location; interact with speakers; and also to replay sessions of interest.
Remarking on the introduction of the new conference, WAI President Tom Heberling said, “Offering this conference virtually is valuable for everyone who wants to understand how Industry 4.0 technologies apply to wire making. We are thrilled that the speakers—originally scheduled for Interwire—are cued up and ready to bring their expertise and energy to the program. We’ve adjusted our expectations upward since attendance is convenient for all.”
The 21 sessions feature speakers from manufacturing companies currently using Industry 4.0 technologies in their plants, as well as representatives from a wide range of suppliers that offer solutions in this space. Session categories include: Big Data; IoT; Industrial IoT; Process Automation; Smart Factories; Smart Planning; Smart Integration; and Virtual Reality.
The WAI Annual Convention features the following keynote speakers on Oct. 26 and 27, respectively.
Award-winning filmmaker Brett Culp presents “Superhero Leadership: How everyday people can have an extraordinary impact; and Kathleen Edge, EVP Operations, Southwire Company LLC presents: “Connected – flexible operating system.”
This program has the generous support of the following sponsors: Cerro Wire LLC; Encore Wire Corp.; Gem Gravure Co. Inc.; James Monroe Wire and Cable Corp.; Lloyd & Bouvier Inc.; Prysmian Group; SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS; Sonoco Reels & Spools; Southwire Co. LLC; Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.
Discounts are available for WAI members. Tickets are $90 USD for full access; and $110 for full access plus new WAI membership.
Visit: https://waiindustry40.heysummit.com/ for full details and to register.
9/17/21 – Teknor Apex Company will present a webinar, Decoding the Wire & Cable Material Recognition Program, that features veteran staffers Mike Patel, director of marketing, and David Braun, wire & cable industry manager. It will be held at 2 pm EST on Wednesday, Sept. 22, and is open for registration at this link. Joining Patel and Braun will be Anthony Tassone, principal engineer, UL.
The hour-long webinar will include the following topics:
- Current trends in wire & cable applications
- How using UL-recognized components may help eliminate additional material testing saving time and money (an FAQ/panel discussion with UL)
- Differences between polymeric materials for use in wire and cable vs. plastics component recognitions
- How Teknor Apex develops compounds with regulations and UL recognitions in mind
The event will include a Q&A session, and attendees are welcome to send questions.
About Teknor Apex. Teknor Apex Company, a privately held firm founded in 1924, is one of the world’s leading custom compounders of plastics. Teknor Apex produces flexible and rigid vinyl, thermoplastic elastomers, nylons, color masterbatches, specialty chemicals, and hoses. The company is headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, U.S.A. and operates thirteen manufacturing facilities worldwide in the United States, Belgium, Germany, China, and Singapore. To learn more visit: www.teknorapex.com.
The Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex Company is a leading manufacturer of custom compounds, including Apex® flexible and rigid vinyl, Flexalloy® vinyl elastomers, Fireguard® low-flame, low-smoke compounds, and Halguard® low-smoke, halogen free, flame retardant compounds and elastomers. The Division is a global supplier to the appliance, automotive, construction, medical device, wire and cable, and other industries.
The company can be contacted at: Teknor Apex, 505 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861 U.S.A. Tel: 1-401-725-8000. Tel. from U.S. only: 1-800-554-9892. Fax: 1-401-729-0166. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
9/10/21 - The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. is the host of the biennial Interwire trade exposition and conference that historically draws visitors from 50 countries which include exhibitors, attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
The climbing Covid-19 counts and corresponding employee health and safety measures have led WAI’s Board of Directors to vote to cancel this year’s staging of Interwire, which was set to mark the 40th year since the show was introduced in Atlanta, Georgia.
Commenting on the difficult decision, 2021 WAI President Tom Heberling said, “It is our responsibility as the Interwire host to deliver a safe, fair, viable, and valuable event to all of our constituents. Unfortunately, having reviewed the data and the evolving factors that must affect the Interwire 2021 trade exposition and conference, the Board’s decision reflects the challenging operating environment facing all businesses.”
The Interwire event was well positioned to serve the wire and cable industry, which is experiencing significant capital investments and overall strong economic conditions. The exhibition, which included key machinery manufacturers and more than 200 suppliers, was anticipated by key buying groups to provide the essential face-to-face forum that has not been available due to the pandemic.
WAI’s Executive Director Steve Fetteroll commented “The Board of Directors devoted their expertise and considerable time to developing the first-ever Industry 4.0 Program that was set to stage at Interwire. The Industry 4.0 Program combined with the expansive exhibit was just what the industry needed. I regret that their key contributions along with the tremendous staff efforts will not be fully realized on the Interwire stage.”
In an effort to continue WAI’s educational mission and support the industry during this unprecedented period, the Association will host the Industry 4.0 conference virtually to serve its members and supporters. The conference will be held on October 26-27 along with WAI’s 91st Annual Convention.
For expediency, news of the new conference will be detailed at www. Interwire21.com.
The WAI leadership regrets that these international events have combined to force a change of direction at this late date. The Association remains grateful to its supporters. It is committed to the 2023 Interwire that will provide value to exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees, and partners alike.
The Wire Association International is a not-for-profit association with 1,800 individual members in 50 countries. The association serves the educational needs of the wire and cable manufacturing industry through a variety of products and services. WAI manages the Interwire Trade Exposition and the WAI Operations Summit & Wire Expo and publishes the Wire Journal International and the Wire Journal International Reference Guide.
Media Contacts: Janice E. Swindells, Director Marketing & Corporate Communications, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel.: 001-203-453-2777
x. 117; Steven J. Fetteroll, Executive Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel.: 001-203-453-1777.
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