WCA November 2011

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Industrynews
Wire & Cable ASIA – November/December 2011 19
This huge structure now envelops the
Versailles’ Royal Courtyard, covers
some 1,000m2 and welcomes visitors
with an artistic and surprising sight that
shows off the architecture and gardens.
Additionally, the campaign is also to
adopt trees, benches and statues in
the grounds, something that Nexans
has also agreed to underwrite
financially.
M Vincent said that Nexans was “glad
that the company could again help the
Etablissement public de Versailles
modernise the palace and grounds,
thereby contributing to its reputation
worldwide.
“What’s more, I am sure that
associating our group’s name with an
unprecedented, original work will be an
additional source of pride for all our
employees.”
I was then allowed underground,
under the castle where visitors do not
venture. There are small tunnels and
secret passageways to be discovered
– running alongside the new wire and
cable installations, of course.
The difference between the obsolete
network present for years in the castle
(my fingerprint on these dusty wires
was proof of their old age) and what
Nexans has provided since 2007 was
undeniable.
The company had donated a range of
low and medium voltage power cables,
telecommunications cables and
fibre-optic cables manufactured at
plants in Autun, Bourg-en-Bresse,
Fumay and Lyon.
Nearly a quarter of the networks have
been replaced by Nexans’ Alsecure
cable. This is part of a range of new
fire-resistant cables developed to
ensure the continued operation of
building safety systems including fire
detection, emergency lighting, voice
alarm and public address, during the
evacuation and fire-fighting period.
In addition to meeting extreme fire
conditions for extended periods, the
Alsecure® cables are halogen-free and
flame retardant, with minimal smoke
emission.
As for the future, Nexans is continuing
with the sponsorship and is also
contributing to other national heritage
sites and global initiatives among
disadvantaged communities.
Allez for Nexans, and merci, merci…
Nexans – France
8 rue du Géréral Foy
75008 Paris, France
Fax: +33 173 23 86 38
Email:
Website:
The facts
Figures Palace of Versailles phase 1
n 539km of cables (50% for
electricity and 50% for
communications)
n 22% of Alsecure® cables
n €670,000 worth of cables
❍ ❍ Top. The signing of the Palace of
Versailles patronage agreement in
2007
❍ ❍ Above. Press conference at the
estate of Versailles in 2011 with,
from left, Frédéric Vincent, CEO
Nexans, and Jean-Jacques Aillagon,
president of the Château de
Versailles and French politician
m
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