WCA March 2015

Industry news

Christmas came early!

CHRISTMAS came early for wire lubricating specialist firm Metalube Ltd. For the company, with offices in China, India and Brazil, received its second Queen’s Award for Enterprise in December at its Manchester, UK, headquarters from Mrs Edith Conn, Her Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. The innovation award was made to Metalube for inventing OCG 6000, a synthetic grease that protects over-head line electrical conductors. The corrosion-preventing grease can operate at over 200ºC with an operational life exceeding 20 years. OCG 6000 extends the lives of conductors and, ultimately, saves capital investments by delaying future renewal of pylon infrastructure. This was the second successive year that the company had been bestowed a Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Exporting to over 86 countries worldwide, the company won in the International Trade category in 2013. Robert Brown, managing director, said: “It is a tremendously proud day for Metalube and I am particularly delighted for the company’s many innovators, who work in our laboratory. It is their skills that set us apart, and for one of our ground-breaking products Handan Steel, a subsidiary of Hebei Steel Group, has successfully produced 102 tonnes of 5.5mm high carbon wire rod (SWRH82B) with all specifications to meet the technical requirements for exports. In order to expand its share of the global market, the steelmaker has strengthened efforts in the development of high carbon wire rod. SWRH82B high carbon wire rod is used mainly for the manufacture of high strength spring wire. Handan Iron and Steel Group – China Website : www.hgjt.com Carbon rod for exports

❍ Managing director Robert Brown receives the Queen’s Award from Mrs Edith Conn, Her Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester

variety of corrosion protection and forming oils. This experienced exporter employs 34 people. Metalube Ltd – UK Website : www.metalube.co.uk

to be publicly recognised is a great compliment.” The company manufactures a range of non-ferrous drawing oils and maintenance lubricants as well as a

Fenn acquisition Quality Products Inc, a manufacturer and distributor of aircraft ground support equipment, hydraulic press machine tools, press brakes, hydraulic presses and shears, has announced the acquisition of Fenn LLC. Fenn president Paul Uccello said: “This is a great outcome for our customers and our companies, and we couldn’t be more excited about our future together. With other businesses in capital equipment manufacturing, we believe QPI has the right combination of business experience and resources to allow Fenn to continue to develop and produce high quality machines.” Fenn will continue to produce custom-engineered machinery to customer specifications, whether it be rolling mills, wire flattening and shaping, drawbench, or turks head applications. In addition, Fenn will continue to offer its industrial line of products, including Torin spring coilers, swagers and impact cut off machines. With all of its product lines, Fenn will also commit to a renewed focus on machine service and spare parts support.

Quality Products Inc – USA Website : www.multipress.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – March/April 2015