wiredinUSA August 2014

INDEX

R E A D WATCH SHARE IT

wiredIn USA Digital . Networking . Monthly .

August 2014 issue - No 38

www.wiredinUSA.com

Tougher

cables from Leoni more resistant

wiredIn USA

and

p12

The world’s leading conference for peer reviewed technical papers and presentations on technologies and trends in wire, cable, connectivity and assemblies for the communications, data, electronics, power, industrial, automotive and aerospace industries.

participate in the world’s leading conference

PHONE (+1)717-993-9500

VISIT WWW.IWCS.ORG

QUESTIONS PHUDAK@IWCS.ORG

wiredInUSA - August 2014

2

INDEX

#38 EDITOR

Good news and bad in this issue of wiredInUSA with new plants, job losses, mergers and appointments all featuring prominently. CN Wire is investing $42m in a new production facility in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, news which is tempered by the announcement by General Cable of a restructuring program which is expected to lead to 1,000 job losses. The full details of these stories can be found on pages 10 and 13, respectively. Beta LaserMike and NDC Infrared Engineering – both part of the Spectris family of companies – have merged to create NDC Technologies – see page 14, while both Conneaut Industries and Metro Wire and Cable have strengthened the workforce with a number of appointments. The full stories are on pages 18 and 22. There is also cause for celebration for Allied Wire and Cable after being named as 'business of the year' by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. This was not only for its business but its dedication to charitable causes, especially those focusing on the well being of families. Full details are on page 23. David Bell Editor

3

wiredInUSA - August 2014

CONTENT News Editor David Bell

david@wiredinusa.com Features Editor (USA) Dorothy Fabian Features Editor (Europe) Gill Watson Editorial assistant Christian Bradley Design/Production/ Free Subscription Hélène Phillips helene@wiredinusa.com

AUGUST 2014 issue

#38

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sales & Marketing (International ) Jason Smith jason@wiredinusa.com +44 1926 834 684 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Advertisement Coordinator Liz Hughes Accounts Manager

Julie Case Publisher Caroline Sullens - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - INTRAS OFFICES Europe:

46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755

Email: read@wiredinusa.com Website: www.wiredinusa.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - USA: Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 Email: doug@intras.co.uk

wiredInUSA - August 2014

4

INDEX

33

06 Show Diary 2014, 2015 and 2016

09 Making the News Industry news from the USA

39

27

32 Industry Trade Association Spotlight on awards, education and events 34 Asia & Africa News The latest news from Asia & Africa 26 Europe News The latest news from Europe

18

29

40

Products, Machines and Technology The latest news from machine industries

31

43

5

DIARY SHOW EVENTS

2014 SEPTEMBER 24-27 September: wire China 2014 Shanghai, China Exhibition www.wirechina.net

April 28-30 April: Interwire 2015 Atlanta, Georgia, USA Exhibition www.wirenet.org MAY 12-15 May: wire Russia Moscow, Russia Exhibition www.wire-russia.com

OCTOBER 28-30 October: wire India Mumbai, India Exhibition www.wire-india.com

SEPTEMBER 15-17 September: wire Southeast Asia Bangkok, Thailand Exhibition www.wire-southeastasia.com OCTOBER 6-8 October: wire South America São Paulo, Brazil Exhibition www.wire-south-america.com 2016 APRIL 4-8 April: wire Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany Exhibition www.wire.de

NOVEMBER 9-12 November: IWCS Rhode Island, USA Conference and table top exhibition www.iwcs.org 2015 MARCH

23-27 March: NPE2015 Orlando, Florida, USA Exhibition www.npe.org

wiredInUSA - August 2014

6

INDEX

OPTICAL FIBRES Measurement Instruments In line data collection, display, record and report

Measure & Control Instruments

CIM PC software:

LIS-Glass:

Laser Interferometric Sensor

 Diameter repeatability: ±0.005µm at 50kHz  Diameter uncertainty: ±0.15µm  Defect detection 75kHz , event recording  Ultra fine air line detection, 0.3µm, 400Hz  Fibre position: ±2mm range ±0.1mm , 1kHz  Spinning frequency profile  Fibre no circularity measurement Non Contact Tension Measurement (Drawing force Birefringence principle)

NCTM:

 0-400 grams ±1gram, 1kHz  Measurement field: 4mm Ø ± 1 gr within 10-40°C ambient Coating Monitor 5 axes

CM5:

 Absolute diameter: ±0.2µm, 400Hz  XY Positions ±0.1mm 1kHz  5 axes Lump & Neck: ±2µm, 3.6MHz sampling  Coating asymmetry: 30Hz  Internal defect detection: 800kHz (Airlines, bubbles, inclusions, delaminations…) AIR (AIRline detector) LDS-T (Laser Diffraction Sensor for transparent product) www.CERSA-MCI.com

Others:

wiredInUSA - August 2014

7

wiredInUSA - August 2014

8

INDEX

MAKING THENEWS New plant in Santa Teresa

CN Wire, an affiliate of the Turkish company Er-Bakir Elektrolitik Bakir Mamulleri AS, is to establish its first North American manufacturing facility in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The new facility will begin limited production later this year, with full operations to start in early 2015. A news release from the governor’s office stated that CN Wire will invest $42 million to purchase and renovate a building in the Santa Teresa Business Center. CN Wire will also relocate its sales and distribution operation from Connecticut to New Mexico and will be granted $537,626 in job training incentive program funds.

However, the timing of the announcement has been questioned by International Wire, which also has an operation in Santa Teresa. “The state board of finance must still decide whether the industrial revenue bonds financing CN Wire’s project and tax breaks can be issued. International Wire, as an existing New Mexico business that is a direct and substantial competitor of CN Wire Corporation, believes that it is highly premature to make this announcement before the bond financing is finalized,” the company said in a statement.

9

wiredInUSA - August 2014

Sun worship Sunpreme Inc, has commissioneda rooftop solar power system at the Gurudwara Sahib, Fremont, California, one of the most prominent and influential Sikh Gurudwara in the US with over 10,000 registered members, and more than 20,000 visitors every month. The 82kWh system is one of the largest rooftop solar installations to use Sunpreme’s solar PV technology and is expected to generate 150,000kWh of clean, emission-free electricity annually. Sunpreme’s bi-facial panels are designed to maximize energy production and the tempered double glass, frameless panels need no grounding, are easy to install, and

provide an aesthetically pleasing look for roof top applications.

“The primary objective in adding a solar system was to enhance our green initiative and significantly reduce yearly utility electricity bills. We selected Sunpreme Solar Panel because of their proven reliable technology, higher efficiency bi-facial panels, aesthetics, and their total technical solution. As a result we are maximizing our energy cost. Savings exceed our expectations,” said Harjeet Singh, who oversees facility operations at the Gurudwara Sahib.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

10

INDEX

wiredInUSA - August 2014

11

Improved cables for rigs Leoni Special Cables GmbH has improved the durability and function of its communication cables for oil and gas rigs with ECCOH™ high performance solutions from PolyOne Corporation. Technical support fromPolyOne enabled Leoni to accelerate time-to-market for the cables.

while also meeting our high standards for quality and enabling strict regulatory compliance,” said Peter Gerstenberger, vice president for the industrial solutions business unit at Leoni. “By working closely with Leoni we developed a highly technical solution that offered the additional chemical resistance and durability they required,” said Craig Nikrant, president, global specialty engineered materials, PolyOne Corporation.

“The cable sheathing formulation developed by PolyOne helped us to produce tougher, more chemically resistant cables for extreme conditions,

wiredInUSA - August 2014 i I

12

INDEX

Restructure job losses

General Cable Corp is implementing a restructuring program, expected to shed 1,000 positions, and has lowered its operating income guidance to $200-$230 million, down from $230 million. that restructuring will save around $10 million, beginning this year, with $75 million in annual savings by 2016. The company announced it will close “certain under performing assets” while consolidating and realigning other facilities, but did The manufacturer estimates

not disclose which of its facilities will be affected.

“While we strongly believe our business is well positioned for the long-term, we are continuing to face ongoing challenges in certain end markets and persistently uneven global demand and pricing,” explained president and CEO Gregory Kenny. The 1,000 lost jobs will represent about seven percent of the company’s global workforce.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

13

Strategic merger

NDC Infrared Engineering and Beta LaserMike, both part of the Spectris family of companies, have merged to create NDC Technologies. The new company will offer a comprehensive portfolio of gauging solutions with enhanced cross-selling opportunities. In addition, the new operating model expands the company’s reach to better serve its customers. The corporate headquarters for NDC Technologies will be in Irwindale, California. Drew Cheshire, president of NDC Technologies, said: ”This merger supports our overall strategy to deliver the most comprehensive and highest quality measurement and control solutions on the market. It brings together two best-in-class companies, each with strong offerings directed to meet the unique needs of our target markets. “By combining these rich offerings into a single complete portfolio,

we can provide customers with a broad range of gauging systems that meet a diverse scope of application requirements. This combination will yield many synergies and benefits in the years ahead and pave the foundation for future growth.” “This merger represents the best strategic move for both NDC Infrared Engineering and Beta LaserMike, and it is the strategy that is most likely to deliver increased value to our respective stakeholders," said Ken Wright, former president of Beta LaserMike and now president of global engineering and marketing for NDC Technologies. “We are confident that the combined company, NDC Technologies, will increase our competitive advantage in products, sales distribution, and technical support, while enhancing our relationships with customers and partners.”

wiredInUSA - August 2014 ir I - t

14

wiredInUSA - August 2014

15

Solar panels hit the roof Dominion Virginia Power will install over 3,000 solar panels, capable of generating more than 800kW of electricity, at the Prologis Concorde distribution center in Sterling, Virginia. The panels will be installed on the rooftops of two adjacent buildings and will cover nearly 102,000ft 2 . “Our customers in Northern Virginia are focused on renewable energy and this installation reflects Dominion's commitment to understanding how solar power can fit into our generation mix," said Ken Barker, vice president of customer solutions. “The partnership with Prologis will enable us to evaluate the benefits and study the impact of distributed solar generation on our electric grid.” “Prologis is dedicated to leading the industry in sustainable development, renewable energy and energy efficiency,” said Drew Torbin, vice president of renewable energy for Prologis. “This project with Dominion Virginia Power supports our efforts to

US imposes import duties

The US department of commerce has set preliminary duties of up to 81 percent on imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from China, after ruling the products were produced using unfair government subsidies. Commerce set a preliminary subsidy rate of 81.36 percent for Hebei Iron and Steel, and 10.30 percent for Benxi Steel and all other Chinese producers and exporters. Complaints about imports of Chinese hot-rolled carbon steel and alloy steel rod were made by ArcelorMittal USA, Charter Steel, Evraz Pueblo, Gerdau Ameristeel, Keystone Consolidated Industries and Nucor Corporation. It is believed that Chinese imports totaled $313 million in 2013. Commerce will reach a final decision by 12 th November, at the same time as its final decision in a parallel investigation into dumping of the steel wire rod.

improve the efficiency and profitability of our partners in the region.”

The installation for Prologis is the first NorthernVirginiaproject inDominion’s solar partnership program, where the company leases rooftop or ground space at commercial, industrial or public facilities for installation of solar panels. All the electricity generated in the $2.5 million project will flow to the electric grid for use by Dominion Virginia Power customers. Construction was scheduled to begin in July, with the panels to be fully installed and operational during October.

wiredInUSA - August 2014 ir I - t

16 16

EASIER QUICKER NOPAPER Unique, original-content news and information for the domestic US wire and cable market

wiredIn USA Digital . Networking . Monthly .

R E A D WATCH SHARE IT

wiredIn USA

Every month, wiredInUSA is .... - mailed electronically to a specified wire and cable audience - delivered direct to your email inbox - available to read online

It’s FREE... so pass it on to colleagues!

www.wiredinUSA.com America’s new online magazine for wire and cable Register online at

wiredInUSA - August 2014

17

Conneaut Industries Inc, a global supplier of fibers for wire and cable applications, magnet wire and composites, has named John Mancinelli as its new national sales manager. The company processes high performance industrial yarns including binder and braiding yarns. Its product line inclu- des PTFE-coated fiberglass, DynaCore ® and ConnCore ® .

Yarns appointment

Mancinelli, industrial engineer, moves after 15 years at AGY, where he was a product engineer and regional sales manager. Before AGY, John worked at Owens-Corning as production supervisor. In addition to his new sales assignment, hebrings excellent engineering skills, yarn processing expertise and customer support experience to Conneaut, where he will work closely with company president John Santos. an

wiredInUSA - August 2014 i I

18

INDEX

wiredInUSA - August 2014 wiredInUSA - July 2014

19

Bar sales

Optima Specialty Steel Inc, an independent manufacturer of steel products, has announced that Niagara LaSalle, its wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a definitive agreement under which PTC Alliance will acquire the operating and commercial assets associated with Niagara LaSalle’s chrome plated bar product line. The assets involved in the transaction are used to produce chrome plated steel bar and tubes used for piston rods in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, amongst other products. Upon the closing of the transaction, Niagara LaSalle will no longer maintain operations in Griffith, Indiana, and will also no longer be engaged in this line of business. Niagara LaSalle will assist PTC Alliance in the smooth transition of customers to its subsidiary, Enduro Industries. “While we have successfully established Optima as a leading player in the niche market for high quality chrome plated steel bar products, owning this business does not align with our long term strategy to grow our leadership position in our other higher-margin business lines,” said Michael Salamon, president and chief operating officer of Optima.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

20

INDEX

FTTH awards FTTH Council’s 2014 conference and expo celebrated the contributions of several individuals and organizations who have advanced the fiber-to-the-home industry. This year’s recipient of the Star Award is the Federal Communications Commission in recognition of its rural broadband experiments, designed to examine how technology transitions are impacting the telecommunications market. The Photon Award has been presented to J Michael Hill, CEO and president of On Trac. Mike has worked tirelessly on behalf of the FTTH Council for over ten years, serving on the board for over eight years. The Chairman’s Award, given at the discretion of the chairman of the FTTH council board of directors, identifies an individual or company that has shown tremendous effort to promote, educate or accelerate fiber-to-the-home. This year’s recipient is Google Fiber, a previous FTTH Council award winner, for the powerful impact it has had on the fiber-to-the-home industry. Google is also recognized for creating a novel and working business model that has inspiredother network operators and scores of municipalities to consider FTTH either on their own or in these types of public/private partnerships. “This year, our recipients have continued to demonstrate their ability to accelerate the deployment and adoption of high-speed broadband technology here in North America,” said FTTH Council president Heather Burnett Gold. “We’re excited to be able to recognize them among the gather of the top peers in their industry.”

wiredInUSA - August 2014

21

New additions in Detroit

Prevention is better by cure

Metro Wire and Cable has appointed Matt Burtraw and Bruce Arnold as sales consultants in Detroit, MI. Burtraw moves to Metro Wire and Cable after serving in several direct selling capacities, including that of the industrial heating and cooling industry. Arnold joins the Metro Wire and Cable Detroit team, charged with focusing on new business development. He is experienced in consultative selling and cultivating new business. Devin Ezop, Metro general manager, said of the appointments: “Having two new voices with extensive selling experience really helps our organization grow in Detroit and advance. We are excited that these two gentlemen are joining our already strong organization; this makes us even stronger.”

PPL engineers are utilising a “cable curing” technique to inject new life into its underground electric cables in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The process injects silicone fluid into the cable to increase its life expectancy. PPL officials say cable curing will prevent future problems. Sarah Filszar, regional director of operations for PPL, said: “Over time, the cables start to deteriorate and break down, and when that happens we have a greater likelihood for a short circuit or a power outage.” PPL officials estimate that the process costs about half the cost of cable replacement. The cable curing is an ongoing process throughout the company’s area of operation.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

22

INDEX

Allied recognition

Dividend declared Optical Cable

Allied Wire & Cable was named “Business of the Year” by the Main Line chamber of commerce, during its annual Celebration of Business Leadership luncheon, in recognition of the company’s overall success as well as its positive impact on the Philadelphia-area community. This event is made to bring together the Main Line business community, family and friends to recognize hard work and leadership. Factors in determining which business would be classified as “Business of the Year” included the level of growth a company has been able to achieve, outside recognition by government and industry entities, innovative approach to providing products and services, involvement in the community, and entrepreneurial spirit. Allied was not only celebrated for its growth and approach to business, but also for its dedication to charitable causes, especially those focusing on the wellbeing of families. Dan Flynn, co-president of Allied Wire & Cable, accepted the award.

Corporation has announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend to the company’s shareholders. The board of directors declared a dividend of $0.02 per share on the company’s common stock, effective 15 th July 2014. The dividend will be paid on or about 15 th August 2014 to shareholders recorded on 29 th July 2014. The announced dividend implies an annual cash dividend of $0.08 per common share. Neil Wilkin, president and chief executive officer of OCC, said: “We are pleased to announce our sixteenth consecutive quarterly dividend since OCC’s board of directors began declaring quarterly dividends in October 2010,” adding: “OCC continues to generate positive operating cash flow each year, enabling the board to return cash to shareholders in the form of a regular quarterly dividend.”

wiredInUSA - August 2014

23

Superior Essex is believed to be the first company in the telecommunications cable manufacturing industry to offer Health Product Declarations™ (HPDs), which can be used to obtain a point in the LEED certification process for building projects. Healthy disclosures The newly published HPDs, when combined with the previously announced environmental product declarations (EPDs), make it possible for Superior Essex cable products to contribute towards two LEED points for a single project. An HPD is a report of product contents and the impact of ingredients on human and ecological health. The HPDs were issued in accordance with the Health Product Declaration Collaborative TM open standard, which provides a common framework for disclosing information about the ingredients and associated health risks in products that are permanently installed.

“Superior Essex is committed to being the industry leader in environmental sustainability and with that role comes the responsibility to provide full disclosure of any health risks from our products. Additionally, we are pleased that these HPDs can be used by architects and designers in making fully informed decisions regarding the communications products they select for their projects,” said Eric Perry, vice president applications engineering and quality at Superior Essex. “As architects, designers, and project teams continue to focus on occupant health and safety, HPDs are becoming a necessary tool in manufacturers’ transparency strategies,” said Tad Radzinski, president of Sustainable Solutions Corporation. “By releasing these industry-first HPDs, Superior Essex demonstrates its commitment to offering sustainable products and cements its role as a market leader.”

wiredInUSA - August 2014 ir I - t

24

INDEX

Inprint On-line CDRom Apps

COME AND SEE US AT WIRE CHINA 2014

ANDPICKUPYOURFREE MAGAZINES & CDs 24 th - 27 th September 2014 STAND W1C43

www.wirechina.net

Leading magazines for the wire industries www.read-eurowire.com / www.read-wca.com

46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK INTERNATIONAL SALES: Tel: +44 (0)1926 334137 eurowire@intras.co.uk / wca@intras.co.uk

wiredInUSA - August 2014

25

Picture : www.bigstockphoto.com ‘Spring’ Photographer - ‘ Rafal Steciuk’

wiredInUSA - August 2014 wiredInUSA - April 3 n S June wire I U - J n 3 28 EUROPE NEWS wiredIn SA - ug st 2 4

26

26 6

INDEX

Rod mill bound for Dubai

The new mill will run 8 tonnes per hour, and is rated to produce 50,400 tonnes annually in rods of 9.5mm, 12mm and 15mm in diameter. The dual reel coiler will allow Ducab to produce coils with two different diameters to meet different customer requirements, and the automatic strapping and unloading features will increase efficiencies in the coil handling process. Southwire has workedwith Siemens for over 50 years. During that time, the company has built more than 100 non-ferrous mills for Southwire customers, in addition to completing nearly 30 upgrades.

Siemens Metals Technologies has received an order from Southwire Company to supply an aluminum rod system for wire and cable producer Dubai Cable Co (Ducab). The new mill will be located in Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, with commissioning expected in summer 2015. Siemens is responsible for the engineering, manufacturing and commissioning of the rolling mill and coiler equipment for a Southwire SCR AL 3650 rollingmill to produce EC and 6201 electrical alloy. The contract scope includes a 500mm entry shear with crop discharge table, a three-stand roughing mill, a seven-stand finishing mill, dual reel coiler, automatic strapping and coil unloading equipment.

EUROPE NEWS

wiredInUSA - August 2014

27

Custom cable acquisition

Expansion for Polish manufacturer

Czaplinka-based cables manufacturer Kabel Technik Polska (KTP), part of the Inter Auto Groclin group, is set to expand, creating at least 150 new jobs. KTP, which operates plants at Drawsko Pomorskie and Białogard producing cables and cable harnesses for a range of industries, is planning capital investment of over €650,000 in the district north west of Poznań, Poland. The project will be completed by August 2015, and the company has undertaken to maintain the new level of employment at the site up to 2020. KTP’s latest investment is part of a major expansion program, developing business with customers in the automotive manufacturing, wind energy, and aviation industries. industrial

Swiss company, LEMO has acquired Northwire Inc (NWI) the US manufacturer of wire and multi-conductor cable and retractiles for the medical, aerospace and defense, energy, and industrial markets. “The acquisition of Northwire will enlarge the LEMO offering, providing a complete cable-connector solution to our valued customers. I am convinced that by creating synergy between our two companies, we cangrowandprosper side-by-side. Together we will be able to provide our customers high quality complete cable-connector solutions. I am very pleased about this new venture with NWI and look forward to developing new business together,” said Alexandre Pesci, CEO and president, LEMO group. “LEMOhasachievedaworldwidereputation for high quality, leading-edge connectors and we are truly proud to become an integral part of their team. Equally focused on satisfying our customers, LEMO and NWI look forward to acquiring new customers and serving our loyal customers’ needs for engineeredsolutionsandserviceexcellence well into the future,” said Katina Kravik, CEO of Northwire Inc.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

28

INDEX

Natalya Chegodar

Increase in output at Slovak plant

Power in Ukraine

Despite the current instability in Ukraine the first deputy governor of the Odessa region, Natalya Chegodar, has announced that developers Valorem and WKN Windkraft Nord plan to build power projects in its Ovidiopolsky area. Both projects are believed to be in the early stages of development. The total investment by the French developer Valorem is estimated at €250 million and is expected to be commissioned in 2019-2020. Details of the WKN project are yet to be disclosed. According to Windpower Intelligence, neither company currently owns a project in the country. Earlier this year, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR), one of France's largest energy companies, announced a 50MW capacity development in the Zaporizhzhya region of Ukraine, costing around €70 million.

Cable manufacturer Leoni AG plans to add new products and expand the output capacity at its production facility in Trenčin, in Slovakia’s western region. The firm aims to invest €14.1m at the facility, the Slovak foreign investment and tradeagency SARIO revealed in a statement. The project will create around 170 new jobs at the factory. The German manufacturer “plans to introduce a newgeneration of data cables, special cables, connectors and fuses” in Trenčin, the statement said. The Slovak factory supplies its output to producers active in the automotive and electrical industries, and is ISO 9001, 14001 and 16949 certified.

EUROPE NEWS

wiredInUSA - August 2014

29

Old copper – new speed

New cable-laying Nexus

Alcatel-Lucent's Bell Labs division claims to have reached 10Gbps using only traditional copper wiring. The technology, called XG-FAST, is a development of the G.fast standard, currently under review by the International Telecommunications Union. The G.fast specification calls for a spectrum range of 106MHz – far larger than that used by existing DSL technology. Effectively, G.fast can send or receive data much faster than conventional DSL, but only over short distances, around 100m. XG-FAST uses 500MHz of spectrum range, further increasing transmission speed and limiting usable distance. Bell Labs said in a statement that the 10Gbps mark was reached using two pairs of copper cable lines, over a distance of 30m. A further experiment, using a single copper pair, achieved 1Gbps over 70m. Bell Labs plans to use the technology as a last-few-feet connection. The previous claim for world record speed over copper was 825Mbps, set by Nokia Siemens Networks in 2010.

Damen Shipyards Galati has launched Van Oord’s new DP2 cable-laying vessel, Nexus, which will be deployed to install electricity cables for offshore wind farms. The 123m long vessel has been designed to accommodate 90 people and features a 28m beam, a dynamic positioning system (DP2), a 5,000t capacity cable carousel and a heavy crane for laying heavy-export cables. The design of the Nexus is based on the Damen Offshore Carrier 7500, a multi-purpose vessel suited for heavy-lift or roll-on/roll-off transport and offshore installations. Van Oord was awarded a €1.3 billion EPC contract earlier this year for the 600MW Gemini offshore wind project, located 55km to the north of the island of Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

30

INDEX

Valerio Battista

Prysmian group CEO Valerio Battista has been elected president of Europacable. The election was resolved during the latest general assembly of the association, which took place in Brussels in conjunction with the start of ‘Visualizing Energy’ week. The general assembly also reaffirmed the Prysmian group’s continuous active involvement in Europacable, withMarcello Del Brenna confirmed as chairman of the Europacable utilities board until 2015, and Philippe Vanhille confirmed chairman of the Europacable telecommunications board until 2016. Antonio Traversi was appointed chairman of Europacable environmental committee. Two years into its re-organization, Europacable has increased its presence in Brussels. It is now strongly involved in the EU energy, data and telecommunication debates, with the European commission, the European parliament and key organizations such as ENTSO-E, the European representation of electricity transmission operators. New appointments for Europacable

Cables lost at sea

Italian cable maker Prysmian has reported the probable loss of $38 million worth of power cables in the Mediterranean, after the barge transporting them capsized. The cables were en route from Italy to serve the Deutsche Bucht and Butendiek offshore wind farms in Germany. No one was injured in the accident, which happened in international waters 50 nautical miles southwest of the Italian island of Sardinia. The 1984-built barge was chartered from the Augustea Group.

EUROPE NEWS

wiredInUSA - August 2014 iredInUSA - August 2014

31

India

Improved show services for members The world’s largest corporate membership association for the wire and cable industry – the International Wire and Machinery Association – will be providing a host of hospitality services for its members and their clients to use later this year at wire China and Wire & Cable India. With a larger stand than in previous years, more centrally positioned for the convenience of members, the IWMA continues to be a valued industry partner of ‘wire’. For wire China 2014, taking place from 24 th to 27 th September at the Shanghai New International EXPO Centre (SNIEC), and Wire & Cable India 2014 which will take place at the Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from 28 th to 30 th October, the IWMA will offer improved services to members such as hospitality facilities, meeting and office space, translation services, Internet facilities and general exhibition advice and assistance. In fact the IWMA stand at all regional wire shows will mirror the quality and range of services that are provided at the Düsseldorf show, the largest in the industry, and provide greater visibility for the association and its members alike, whilst continuing to provide the highest level of support and expertise that everyone has come to expect. Shell scheme stand application packs for these prestigious wire and cable exhibitions are available upon request from the IWMA office. Once completed, they should be returned to the IWMA or forwarded directly to Messe Düsseldorf, which will then confirm your company stand allocation.

contact the IWMA office for an application pack. We would be delighted to help.

wire China 2014 wire China, launched in 2004, co-organised and developed jointly by Messe Düsseldorf and its subsidiary inChina together with Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute, has now become the leading trade fair of its kind in Asia, not only in exhibition scale but also for its international influence. Over the years it has been playing an irreplaceable part in the industries' trading and communication aspects. Together with industry players, wire China is committed to driving the development of China’s wire and cable industry, witnessing achievements and exploring opportunities. The trade fair is widely acclaimed among Chinese and foreign exhibitors and visitors alike. wire & Cable India 2014 Just a month later it will be the turn of Mumbai to host countries from around the world with the increasingly popular Wire & Cable India. The main customers for the wire and cable industry in India are the automotive, telecommunication and construction industries and all will come together for the 5 th Wire & Cable India international exhibition. In the past few years, these three industries have witnessed a rapid expansion and that has led to an annual growth of about 25 per cent in India.

If your company wishes to exhibit at either of these well-established exhibitions, then please

wiredInUSA - August 2014

32

INDEX

CabWire 2015 world technical conference – a date for your diary!

There will also be an event at a downtown Düsseldorf location on the Tuesday evening where delegates will get the chance to network and socialise. If you would like to be involved by presenting a paper at this exciting event, then please forward by email a short abstract of no more than 50 words to the IWMA office at info@iwma.org There are also a variety of promotional opportunities available, such as sponsorship and table top displays. Similarly, if you are interested in attending as a delegate and would like to be kept up to date with conference developments then please get in touch.

The IWMA is delighted to announce that the 7 th biennial CabWire world cable and wire technical conference will take place on Tuesday, 3 rd November 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany, home of the wire industry. The conference will be held at the Congress Center, and is already attracting interest following the successful CabWire conference which was held at the Palazzo Turati, Milan, in November last year, and attracted 200 wire and cable professionals from all over the world. Preparations are well under way with Dr Probst, retiring CEO of Leoni AG, committed as a keynote speaker, and Acelor/Mittal preparing to host a visit for delegates to its rod mill in Duisburg on Wednesday, 4 th November.

www.iwma.org Remember to follow the IWMA LinkedIn page to ensure you are kept up to date with all activities, whether it is announcements about exhibitions, conferences and events or the educational trust, as well as member news. Follow us. . .

wiredInUSA - August 2014

33

Picture : Alessandro Paiva

ASIA & AFRICA NEWS

wiredInUSA - August 2014

wiredInUSA - August 2014

34

INDEX

An Australian company is hoping to use thermal power from a Solomon Islands volcano to provide electricity to the country’s capital, Honiara. Savo Island’s volcano last erupted more than 100 years ago but steam escaping from its vents can often be seen fromHoniara, on the much larger island of Guadalcanal where power failures are not uncommon. If the project is successful, power will be delivered to Honiara via a 14km undersea cable between the two islands. The Brisbane-based Geodynamics Ltd and its joint venture partner Kentor Energy Pty Ltd told the Australian stock exchange that the granting of development consent by the Solomon Islands government follows a review of their environmental and social Volcano power?

impact assessment and their environmental management plans. “The next key step for us is to undertake exploration drilling on the island to prove the existence of a geothermal reserve capable of supporting the project,” Geodynamic's chief executive officer Geoff Ward said. “Our initial exploration studies have identified a resource in excess of 30 megawatts potential on Savo Island,”MrWardcontinued. “That would be enough to supply all of Honiara’s demand and a significant part of its future demand.” At present most of Honiara’s power comes fromdiesel generators, and fuel imports make up about 20 percent of the Solomon Islands’ total import bill.

ASIA / AFRICA NEWS

wiredInUSA - August 2014

35

Cables head for Mecca

In December 2013 Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC) established a new company, along with a new plant, to expand the production capacity of Nippon Steel Bar & CH Wire (Suzhou) Co Ltd (NBC China), producing cold heading wire in China. The land for the new facility is within the Suzhou Wuzhong economic and technological development zone, and the plant should begin operations in June 2015. NBC China was established in 2006, and operations began in 2007. Supported by the growth of automobile production in China, the plant, with a current capacity of 7,000 tons per year, is in full operation. This expansion of NBC China adequately addresses demand for cold heading wire in China for which further growth is expected. Theexpansion is alsoexpected to further enhance competitiveness in quality, cost, and delivery. The new plant, with facilities for pickling, wire drawing, and heat treatment, will increase production capacity to 42,000 tons per year. Cold heading wire is used for automobile bolts and bearings, requiring strict quality control in terms of materials and dimensional precision. Cold heading expansion project

Saudi Arabian authorities have selected Ducab to supply cables and accessories for the expansion and enhancement of the Mataf area beside Al Masjed Al Haram, within theholy siteatMecca. Theexpansion project will strengthen infrastructure and increase capacity in the area from a present rate of 50,000 pilgrims per hour to 130,000. The site receives millions of visitors during the year and assuring safety for all pilgrims is a prime consideration. Ducab will supply products from its LSZH cable and wire range, in addition to the FlamBICC range of fire retardant cables. The first phase of the expansion project was scheduled for completion before Ramadan. Subsequentphaseswill continue the expansion and also bring in modern solutions to ensure smooth movement, reduced crowding, and facilities for the aged and disabled.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

36

INDEX

Cables get AEO accreditation

Italy favors aerial

LS Cable & System has obtained AEO (authorized economic operator) accreditation from the Korea customs service. To date, LS Cable & System is the only cable maker in Korea that has the accreditation and gains with it customs clearance benefits in Korea and in those countries with a mutual recognition agreement. The AEO system is an international logistics standard established by the world customs organization to facilitate international trade while also ensuring security. The system is implemented in around 60 countries including the US, Canada, and the EU. Customs authorities in each country select accreditation targets by investigating and reviewing compliance with laws, safety management standards, internal controls, and the financial integrity of importing and exporting companies. Once accredited as an AEO, a company can benefit from simplified customs procedures, preferential customs clearance on inward cargoes and unlimited security provision. AEO accredited companies also receive benefits of the same standard in eight countries including China, Japan and the US with which Korea has entered into mutual recognition agreement.

LS Cable & System has won an order to supply electric cables to Italy, believed to be a first among non-European suppliers. The aerial cables, worth $8.17 million, will be supplied to Terna SpA, an Italian electricity transmission system operator. Electricity companies in Italy, France, and Germany are known for their exacting quality standards and strict construction project management. Lee Heon-sang, LS Cable & System’s head of overseas sales, said: “Terna officials are highly satisfied with our products and service to a degree that they keep asking us to take part in future biddings. We will expand toward other higher value-added products such as underground and underwater cables.” The demand for electrical cables is steadily on the rise due to urbanization and the rising demand for more electricity. In regions like Europe and North America, in particular, most service areas need to reinstall their cable lines after 30 to 40 years of replacement cycle. While most Northern European countries prefer to replace the lines with underground cables, those in Southern Europe, including Italy, are making use of existing transmission towers with aerial cables.

ASIA / AFRICA NEWS

wiredInUSA - August 2014 ir I - t

37

John Mahama

Mr MS Hidayat

West Africa grid

Mr MS Hidayat, industry minister of Indonesia, has launched the construction of a $200 million integrated blast furnace. Construction of the steel mill is being carried out by PT Gunung Gahapi Nisco Indonesia, a joint venture between Indonesian steel maker PT Gunung Gahapi Sakti and China’s Nanjing Iron and Steel Company, on a 40 hectare site. The first phase, at a cost of around $100 million, is expected to be completed next year and the second phase by 2017. Commercial operations will begin in 2015 to produce 500,000 tonnes of concrete reinforcing steel and wire rod a year in its initial phase. Capacity will be upgraded by another 500,000 tonnes in the second phase. Mr Hidayat described the “wise decision” byGahapi andNanjing toproducewire rod and concrete-reinforcing steel to supply local makers of prestressed concrete steel, steel wire ropes, cable stayed, steel cord, nuts and bolts and nails. The enterprise is expected to help improve the quality of domestic wire rod that fails to meet the standards needed to produce wire rod high carbon and alloy steel. Steel mill construction

National electricity companies in West Africa are seeking to establish a reliable power grid for the region. Working in cooperation, the West African Power Pool will establish a plant in Ghana to generate about 450MW of power to selected West African countries. President John Mahama, speaking to the president of Sierra Leone, expressed the hope that the additional power will help to drive economic growth in the area. He noted that West Africa is currently experiencing fast growth, but that energy supply is a major constraint. The president indicated that in his capacity as chairman of the economic community of west African states, his focus will be: “How we can push through the integration of our infrastructure, most especially energy.” He said the plant will “utilize Ghanaian gas from our future gas discoveries to produce 450 megawatts of power.” The generated power will be transmitted through Cote D’Ivoire to Liberia and Sierra Leone.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

38

INDEX

Ismail Jaber

Australian energy project developer Epuron is to expand its existing 1MWUterne solar power project in Alice Springs by a further 3.1MW, using project finance from the clean energy finance corporation (CEFC). Epuron will become one of the largest solar power installations in the country, exceeded only by a 10MW plant in Western Australia and projects currently under construction at Nyngan (102MW) and Broken Hill (53MW). The existing Uterne 1 plant is producing over 2,300MWh of electricity per year, representing about one percent of Alice Springs’ electricity requirements annually, and can meet in excess of two percent of peak power demand. Uterne 2 is expected to provide three times more output than the current facility and will use trackers to follow the path of the sun. Both projects are supported by long-term power purchase agreements with the Northern Territory utility Power and Water Corporation, and hence represent a relatively low commercial risk. More power to the project

Debar for rebar

The Egyptian industrial development authority (IDA) has asked the ministry of industry and foreign trade to remove rebar manufacture from its list of energy-intensive industries. Removing it would enable the IDA to approve the expansion of rebar rolling mills without seeking approval from the supreme council of energy (SCE). Ismail Jaber, head of the IDA, said the technical studies conducted by the authority concluded that rebar is not a high energy consumption industry, and thus there should be no need for requests to be presented to the SCE for approval in order to establish rolling rebar mills. Jaber pointed out that IDA studies on the steel and cement market in Egypt showed themarket needs threemillion tons of rebar and nearly 20 million tons of cement from now to 2020 tomeet growing demand. This is expected to increase with government plans for expansion in infrastructure projects. Jaber said that other steel factories, which require large quantities of energy to operate furnaces, will remain on the list of high energy consumption industries.

ASIA / AFRICA NEWS

wiredInUSA - August 2014

39

&

PRODUCTS MACHINES TECHNOLOGY

wiredInUSA - August 2014 i I

40

INDEX

Ribbon cables

RoHS and REACH compliant. In addition, the non-particulating IDC cables exceed the outgassing requirements of ASTM E595 and can be used in vacuum environments.

Cicoil's flexible IDC ribbon cables have been designed for use on high-precision microelectronic equipment systems that demand absolute reliability and zero failure. Unlike industry standard stiff ribbon cables, that shed particulates and can only operate in moderate temperatures (-20°C to +80°C), theCicoil ribboncables havebeendesigned for tight routing, excessive temperatures (-65°C to +260°C) and class 1 clean rooms.

Triton and tested

Cable cleat manufacturer Ellis has launched what is believed to be the world’s first two-in-one cable guide and clamp, designed specifically for the installation and restraint of high voltage cables. Named Triton, the guide/clamp was originally designed for an offshore project with Siemens and has now been developed by Ellis into a full range suitable for use with large diameter cables. Richard Shaw, managing director of Ellis, said: “A key factor in our ongoing success has been our ability to innovate, but this is the first time we’ve been asked to do so in a live project situation.” The challenge set to the Ellis team was to develop a solution that would feed, and then restrain, seven 117mm diameter cables along a specified route within a fabricated structure, which featured a significant number of twists and turns. Using Triton, cables are guided into their final location, while trumpeted entry and exit points ensure the cable is not damaged when fed through sharp angled turns. Once thecable is laidcorrectly, the tophalf of Triton is removed, a fixing piece installed directly onto the cable and the top half re-secured, thus turning the guide into a fully-functioning HV cable clamp.

Absolute reliability and zero failure from Cicoil The Flexx-Sil™ jacketed 28 AWG ribbon cable is available with up to 64 conductors in 0.05" and 1mm versions. Both cables meet the standard ribbon cable dimensions, and are compatible with any IDC connector. Cicoil’s IDC Cables are resistant to UV light, flames, steam, de-ionized water, acids, alcohol, autoclave, ozone, mechanical stress and many chemicals. Where a lower friction surface is desired, Cicoil offers its SlideRite™ coating option. Cicoil’s halogen-free ribbon cables are UL and CSA recognized, CE conforming, and

wiredInUSA - August 2014

41

Guglielmo Fiocchi, CEO of Sogefi, said: “Research and development is a key factor for the future growth of Sogefi. Innovation in the car sector, starting from reducing weight and improving theefficiencyof vehicles, now depends significantly on the components companies. Sogefi in particular is gradually increasing its investment in research and development, which has gone up in recent years from around two percent to just under three percent of its total revenues.” Sogefi claims this innovation also guarantees a significant reduction of CO 2 emissions during the manufacturing process as the overall energy required is significantly lower than in traditional steel coil spring manufacturing. The concept of a composite spring is not new, however. Chevrolet introduced the fully composite-sprung C4 Corvette in 1984, but unlike the Audi’s coils the Corvette featured a single transverse leaf spring at the front and rear. Alcoa Fastening Systems’ Huck ® brand C50L ® fastener is a key component in a major Scottish construction project, due to be opened later this year. The Kelpies is a 30m-high steel monument commemorating Scotland’s horse-powered heritage, andprovidingadramaticgateway to the Forth and Clyde Canal entrance on the country’s east coast. Over 12,000 Huck C50L lockbolts were supplied by distributor Permalok Fastening Systems Ltd. Fasteners key to Kelpie monument

“Triton really is an ingenious solution and one that I am sure will go on to be a popular and successful addition to our extensive range,” Mr Shaw added.

Triton – believed to be the world’s first two-in-one cable guide. Photograph courtesy of Ellis Cleats

Italian designs for spring

Sogefi of Milan, working with Audi, has developed a patented coil spring technology using fiber reinforced composites. The coil spring is made from glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) which weighs between 40 and 70 percent less than traditional steel springs. The new GFRP springs can be assembled on cars and light commercial vehicles without affecting the suspension system architecture and allow for a weight reduction of 4kg to 6kg (9lb to 13lb) per vehicle depending on spring design and vehicle type. The resulting benefits are said to include lower fuel consumption, enhanced comfort and protection against corrosion.

wiredInUSA - August 2014

42