EoW January 2014

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a Happy New Year! As with any business, you always have to keep one eye on the future. That’s why it is especially rewarding covering events like the Scarborough Engineering Week in the UK. The week saw more than 2,700 schoolchildren and students attend the fair, aimed speci cally at giving them an insight into what a career in engineering would deliver. More than 30 organisations took part, making the whole experience a fun and enjoyable one, despite there being a serious message behind it. Representatives from all the organisations involved, as well as from the participating schools and colleges, also attended a gala dinner and building those relationships will ensure the youngsters get a deeper insight into the industry. There is also a raft of new appointments in this issue wth a number of key positions in some major companies from the industry. Whilst on the future, wire 2014 in Düsseldorf, Germany, is also looming very large in the window now. If you’re exhibiting at the show, from 7 th to 11 th April, EuroWire provides you with an ideal platform to showcase your machines and technology to an ever-expanding audience. There is still time to send us your editorial for inclusion in the March issue, free of charge. Simply send your editorial, up to 350 words, and a photograph to david@intras.co.uk by 17 th January to be considered. A number of advertising opportunities also remain and to show your An eye on the future for a new generation

* US$33 purchase only Front cover: Sikora AG See page 104 for further details

E DITOR : ....................................... David Bell F EATURES E DITOR (USA) : .........Dorothy Fabian E DITORIAL ASSISTANT : .................Christian Bradley D ESIGN /P RODUCTION : ................Julie Tomlin P RODUCTION : ..............................Lisa Wright S ALES & M ARKETING : ................Jason Smith ( I NTERNATIONAL ) UK & ROW sales

Giuliana Benedetto Italian speaking sales Hendrike Morriss German speaking sales Linda Li Chinese speaking sales Jeroo Norman Indian sales

A DVERTISEMENT C OORDINATOR : ............................Liz Hughes A CCOUNTS M ANAGER : ................Julie Case S UBSCRIPTIONS : ..........................Liz Hughes P UBLISHER : ..................................Caroline Sullens F OUNDER : ....................................John C Hogg

INTRAS OFFICES

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US copies only : EUROWIRE (ISSN No: 1463-2483, USPS No: 022-738) is published bi-monthly by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ and additional mailing o ces. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Eurowire, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831

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David Bell Editor

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

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January 2014

8

Diary of events

9

Corporate News

40

Transatlantic Cable

8

44

Technology N ews

62

wire 2014

104 Editorial Index

104 Advertisers’ Index

44

Market News

Deutsch Inhalt 79

Neuigkeiten 104 Inserentenverzeichnis

84

Ηο

104

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January 2014

Next Issue

Technical Articles 76 New coating for mid temperature optical bres By Ching-Kee Chien and

Features On

Valery A Kozlov, Science and Technology, Corning Inc, USA

• wire Düsseldorf show issue

81 Neue LWL-Beschichtung für mittlere Temperatur von Ching-Kee Chien und

Valery A Kozlov, Science and Technology, Corning Inc, USA

GettingTechnical

86

Development of the cable for photovoltaic power generation systems

-

.

,

-



,

«Corning Inc», 

91 Nouveau revêtement pour bres optiques pour applications à moyenne température

Par Ching-Kee Chien et Valery A Kozlov, Science and Technology, Corning Inc, États-Unis.

Subscribe Now! Visit us online at: www.read-eurowire.com

96 Nuovo rivestimento per

bre ottiche per applicazioni a media temperatura A cura di Ching-Kee Chien e Valery A Kozlov, Science and Technology, Corning Inc, Stati Uniti

101 Nuevo revestimiento para bra óptica para temperaturas medianas Por Ching-Kee Chien y Valery A Kozlov, Science and Technology, Corning Inc, EE.UU

Indice Español

Sommaire Français 89 Nouvelles du Marché 104 Index des Annonceurs

Indice Italiano 94

99 Noticias de Mercado 104 Indice de Anunciadores

Notizie del Mercato 104 Indice degli Inserzionisti

7

January 2014

dates for your diary . . .

2014

wire 2014

May2014

6–7 May: Wire Expo –

trade exhibition – Indianapolis, USA Organisers : Wire Association International Fax : +1 203 453 8384 Email : sales@wirenet.org Website : www.wirenet.org 14–17 May: Lamiera – trade exhibition – Bologna, Italy Organisers : Ucimu-Systems Fax : +39 0226 255 894 Email : lamiera.esp@ucimu.it Website : www.lamiera.net

7–11 April: wire/Tube Düsseldorf – trade exhibition – Düsseldorf, Germany

Organisers : Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

June

Fax : +49 211 45 60668 Email : wire@messe-duesseldorf.de Website : www.wire.de

16–18 June: 2014 China (Guangzhou) International Metal and Metalurgy Exhibition –

trade exhibition – Guangzhou, China Organisers : Julang Exhibition Co Ltd Fax : +86 203 862 0790 Email : meiwen@julang.com.cn Website : www.julang.com.cn

September

24–27 September: wire China – trade exhibition – Shanghai, China Organisers : SECRI and Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co Ltd Fax : +86 216 169 8301 Email : shanghai@mdc.com.cn Website : www.wirechina.net 21–25 October: EuroBLECH – trade exhibition – Hanover, Germany Organisers : Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd Fax : +44 1727 814 401 Email : info@euroblech.com Website : www.euroblech.com 28–30 October: wire India – trade exhibition – Mumbai, India Organisers : Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt Ltd Fax : +91 112 697 1746 Email : info@wire-india.com Website : www.wire-india.com October

Photo credit Messe Düsseldorf/ ReneTillman & Partner

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Corporatenews

The best yet!

▲ Schoolchildren had hands-on and educational experience of high-tech engineering products, including remote operated vehicles for subsea work from Forum Subsea Technologies

colleges. The event was made possible by sponsorship from York Potash which wants to develop a mine in the Scarborough area to produce potash fertiliser – a large-scale enterprise which could create hundreds of high quality engineering jobs. Schoolchildren were treated to an array of engineering products and technology from Atlas Ward Structures, Bluebird Vehicles, Castle Employment, Castle Group, Deep Sea Electronics, Dale Power Solutions, Derwent Training Association, f1 in Schools, fanuc, festo, firmac, forum Subsea Technologies, Hunprenco, Joy Global, McCain foods, Moog, North Sea Winches, NYBEP, Osprey, Plaxton, Sainsbury’s, Schneider Electronic, Unison, University of Hull, University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Wilfrid Scruton, Yorkshire Coast College and York Potash. Some 130 representatives from all of the organisations involved, as well as the attending schools and colleges, attended a celebratory dinner at The Spa in Scarborough. Adrian Allen OBE, of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, gave the keynote speech. Scarborough EngineeringWeek – UK Website : www.scarboroughengineeringweek.com

and rewarding engineering is – and it’s making a big difference in our region.” Over three days, more than 2,700 schoolchildren and teachers – plus many more at evening public sessions – toured the exhibition. Among these was the guest of honour, HRH Prince Richard The Duke of Gloucester, representing Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke has a strong technical background, having trained as an architect and worked as a partner in a London practice before taking up Royal and family duties. He identified wholeheartedly with the ambitions of the event – to attract UK youngsters to become the engineers of tomorrow – and said he’d like to come back next year. As might be expected, he took particular interest in Atlas Ward Structures’ exhibit – which demonstrated CAD software the Scarborough-based company uses to design steelwork for world-renowned projects such as The Shard and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Unison led the organisation of this year’s event. It was aided by the regional education business partnership NYBEP which organised the student attendance from regional primary, secondary, sixth form and further education schools and

MORE than 2,700 schoolchildren and young students attended the recent Scarborough Engineering Week, aimed at encouraging youngsters to consider careers in engineering. In its most successful event to date, almost 30 organisations – most from Yorkshire – staged educational and fun displays about jobs in engineering today. Many exhibits were hands-on and interactive and ranged from touch-screen computer-aided design software, to remote operated vehicles for subsea oil and gas work, robot arms, and even an ingenious piece of food processing automation – a rustic potato cleaning machine developed for a McCain foods’ oven chips TV commercial. “Great Britain was built on the engineering revolution, and still today it’s engineering prowess that is largely defining the growth and success of economies and nations,” says Peter Wilkinson from the lead organiser Unison Ltd – the Scarborough-based manufacturer of tube bendingmachines. “As a country, the UK urgently needs to invest in engineering, and attracting more youngsters to enter the profession is critical to that purpose. This event is about just that – we set out to show just how interesting

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January 2014

News Corporate

Meeting customer demand

twists, protrusions, indentations – or just plain bends – can be accommodated and the William Hughes team of application engineers can help customers solve their engineering problems by offering a rapid design and prototyping service. This is particularly suited to the high volume sectors such as automotive. William Hughes has more than 200 years’ experience in producing bent wire components and wire form assemblies. Today it is one of the most advanced producers in Europe, with high-tech manufacturing facilities in Dorset, UK, and Plovdiv, Bulgaria. William Hughes Ltd – UK Website : www.wmhughes.co.uk Price rise Ugitech – Schmolz + Bickenbach Group – announced a price increase on its stainless steel bars, wire rod and drawn wire products, effective 2 nd October. Schmolz + Bickenbach Group – Germany Website : www.schmolz-bickenbach.com turns, spirals,

William Hughes continues to find new ways to meet its customers’ requirements for precision wire assemblies with the introduction of an overmoulding capability for wire parts. The new process dispenses with the need for metal retaining clips in assemblies such as car seats – providing an assembly that is both strong and fast to manufacture. The new process can be applied to a wide range of wire assemblies and requires the wire parts to be manufactured to a high accuracy. The components are brought together using special tooling designed by William Hughes, and two vertical injection moulding machines perform the moulding process to complete the assembly. The overmoulding process allows for variations in the finished assembly – for example, in car seat assemblies retaining bars for the seat cloth can be included or where heated seats are required, connectors and cabling can be incorporated so that heating

elements can be simply plugged into the encapsulated boots. “Our expertise is in the design and manufacture of a wide range of bent wire components to high accuracy and this is critical for the manufacture of overmoulded assemblies,” said Emma Burgon, engineering director. “This means that the overmoulding process can be applied to a wide range of assemblies across many industries, providing benefits to our customers in terms of strength, versatility and speed of manufacture.” ▲ ▲ The William Hughes overmoulding capability demonstrated with this precision car seat assembly

Any 2D or 3D wire form that involves

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January 2014

CENTRAN TAPES & YARNS

Centran industrial is a leading global supplier of excellent raw materials for cable and wire industry. We are one of the biggest manufacturer of water- blocking tape , Water-Blocking yarn & Polyester yarn , flame retardant & Marking tape etc. in china. 1. Non-conductive Water-blocking tape • Double-side non-conductive water-blocking tape • Single-side non-conductive water-blocking tape • PET laminated non-conductive water-blocking tape • Reinforced non-conductive water-blocking tape 2. Semi-conductive Water-blocking tape • Double-side semi-conductive water-blocking tape • Single-side semi-conductive water-blocking tape • Semi-conductive laminated water-blocking foam tape CBHZD • Single-side semi-conductive water-blocking woven tape CBDWD • Reinforced semi-conductive water-blocking tape CHBSD • Marine water-blocking tape CMBZD CZSD CDZD CDZDF CHDZD CBZSD CBDZD

3. Binding, Bedding, Barrier & Separating tape • Non-woven tape

CWB

• Reninforced Non-woven tape • High strength Woven tape • Semi-conductive nylon tape • Semi-conductive non-woven tape • Semi-conductive woven toteron tape

CHWB

CHB

CBNLD

CBZD CBHD

• Flame-retardant tape

CFR

4. Yarns • Water-blocking yarn

CZS HZT BSW BSR

• High tension polyester yarn

• Water-blocking E-glass Roving yarn

• E-Glass Roving yarn

5. MARKING TAPE

MT-20

Chengdu Centran industrial Co., Ltd Chengdu Centran IMP.&EXP Trading Co., Ltd Wuxi Centran cable material Co., Ltd Room 604, Building 4, Idealism Center, No.38 Tianyi Street Chengdu Hi-Tech district, 610041, Sichuan, P.R.China Tel: 0086-28- 85322171,85322172 Fax: 028 -85322175 E-mail: market@china-centran.com Http:// www. China-centran.com

VISIT US AT

9F 75

News Corporate

Chief executive retires

▲ ▲ Heinz Rockenhäuser, left, with Arnd Kulaczewski who has succeeded him as chief executive of Niehoff

factory at the company’s headquarters in Schwabach, with the first part of the plant inaugurated in 2010. Turnover also increased from €50m to €125m, consolidated in the whole Niehoff group to €150m. previously managing director (CEO) of the press builder Schuler SMG in Waghäusel, Germany. Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH – Germany Website : www.niehoff.com Heinz Rockenhäuser’s successor is Arnd Kulaczewski,

After 20 years as chief executive of the Niehoff group, Heinz Rockenhäuser retired at the end of October. Under the leadership of Mr Rockenhäuser, Niehoff considerably expanded its market share and also set up branches and subsidiaries in several countries. During his time as CEO Niehoff expanded its product portfolio while the number of employees in the group worldwide increased from around 500 to 720. The company also built a new

Video stars!

▲ ▲ A still taken from the video

Lubricant specialist Metalube has launched a new two-minute corporate video on its website at www.metalube.co.uk Metalube is an large exporter and the aim of the new film is to bring the company and its values to the desks of its overseas customers, many of which are not in a position to visit its corporate headquarters in Manchester, UK. The new video is in English but uses Chinese and Portuguese subtitles on the relevant webpages. It delivers to customers an insight into the company’s laboratory and factory and is presented by commercial director Douglas Hunt. Metalube – UK Website : www.metalube.co.uk

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News Corporate

Cold welding video

▲ ▲ The M101 from PWM

British company PWM, which designs, manufactures and supplies high-performance cold welding equipment, has introduced a new video demonstration of its best-selling M101 manual cold welder. The video, which can be viewed at www.pwmltd.co.uk, shows how the M101 can be used to weld non-ferrous materials quickly and easily without the need for heat, flux or fillers. The M101, like all of PWM’s cold welders, is designed and built in-house. It will weld copper wire 1m to 3mm (0.04" to 0.141") and aluminium 1mm to 5mm (0.04" to 0.197"), and can be used on a workbench or supplied with a trolley, enabling the operator to wheel it to the work area. No set-up time is required and the weld cycle takes only seconds to complete. “The M101 has been one of our best-selling machines since we launched it in 1986, because it is robust, low maintenance and very simple to operate,” said Steve Mepsted, PWM’s managing director. “The M101 produces strong, consistent welds on round and profile wire, helping manufacturers avoid downtime, reduce material waste, and improve productivity.” Video demonstrations of PWM’s larger P1500, P1000 and EP500 rod welders, and its HP200 portable welder can also be viewed on the website. PWM Ltd – UK Website : www.pwmltd.co.uk Nuclear contract for Nexans Nexans has been awarded a contract by China National Nuclear Corporation to supply power cables and accessories for the construction of the second phase of the Tianwan nuclear power plant, located in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu province, China. The project comprises the construction of two additional Russian type VVER-1000 pressurised water reactors, which will each generate 1,060MW power. The cables and accessories will be supplied for applications within the nuclear containment area and will be installed from 2015. Manufacture will take place over the course of the next three years at Nexans’ facility in Mehun-sur-Yèvre, France. Nexans – France Website : www.nexans.com

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January 2014

News Corporate

Arsenal opts for Dow

Key benefits of DFDA-1648 NT include: • Ease of extrusion, without the need for special screws • Good surface appearance • Good crack resistance on the majority of armoured cables • Excellent combustion properties (lower smoke, lower acidity) • Excellent electricals: high volume resistivity • Low dielectric constant and dissipation factor • Competitive mechanical properties (tensile elongation, tear strength, abrasion resistance) Dow Electrical and Telecommunications – USA Website : www.dow.com

“The team from Dow E&T provided a solution that met our customers’ expectations,” said Gennady Urazov, deputy director general at Arsenal. “The Dow E&T compound successfully completed all the tests, demonstrating good flame retardancy and easy processing on commercial PVC/ PE extruders. We can move forward with confidence to offer this solution to our customers in Russia.” “Whereas in many cases customers have to use special screw design or even special extruders in order to achieve acceptable line speeds, with DFDA-1648 NT from Dow E&T this was not necessary,” confirmed Mikhail Bogdanov, technical support and development manager for Dow E&T in Russia.

Arsenal, a Russian manufacturer of specialist power and telecommunications cables, has qualified Dow’s DFDA-1648 NT compounds for jacketing and insulation of low voltage (LV) halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) cables for building wire, industrial and marine applications. Arsenal manufactures cables for a diverse range of highly demanding power and telecommunications applications, including subways, chemical plants, marine installations, public places and the nuclear power sector. The company needed to find a solution that met customers’ exacting needs for an optimal balance between high flame retardancy and processability. NT halogen-free, flame retardant jacketing and insulation compound from Dow E&T to produce LV HFFR power cables, fire alarm cables and other special cables used in multi-purpose public buildings requiring exceptional flame retardant performance. The cables produced by Arsenal using Dow materials successfully met the stringent requirements of the Russian national standard GOST R 53315-2009 for fire safety requirements. Arsenal selected DFDA-1648

Tungsten carbide dies Agir Technologies stocks a complete range of tungsten carbide dies. The company has a complete range of machines dedicated to the production and repair of tungsten carbide dies, along with expertise and efficiency. Exporting to five continents, Agir will be presenting the TCLD GP and new grinding machines MIG 125 CNC and MIG 160 CNC for production and repairing of large dies for the wire and tube industries at wire Düsseldorf. Agir Technologies – France Website : www.agir-technologies.com

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News Corporate

Silver Fox lining to re-signalling contract

stations, 191 trainsets, 49 engineering trains and six heritage trains, followed by a two-year warranty period. As part of this project, Silver Fox LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) tie on cable labels are being used to label both low and high voltage power cables on the LUL rail network. LUL has adopted a red-on-white cable label for high voltage cables and black-on-white cable label for low voltage cables. Silver Fox – UK Website : www.silverfox.co.uk

system in operation on Shenzhen Metro Line 3 in China and also the one operating on the Metro de Madrid Lines 1 and 6 in Spain. The LUL contract is for the signalling renewal and provision of an ATC system for the four sub-surface lines, which carry some 1.3m passengers a day. Together, the lines comprise 40 per cent of the LUL network and carry 25 per cent of the total ridership. By 2018, Bombardier will equip the 310km of track line (40km in tunnels), 113

Thorne with Bombardier Transportation, is supplying the Silver Fox Fox-in-a-Box Cable Label System for use on the London Underground (LUL) SSR Contract – reportedly the largest metro re-signalling contract ever undertaken in the world. The system, from the leading UK manufacturer of labelling solutions, Silver Fox, is based around the Fox-in-a-Box thermal printer using the Labacus Innovator Professional Software. This printer can provide complex and multiple cable labels, split cable labels, cross-ferruling and the variable replication of cells. Thorne & Derrick is a national distributor and worldwide exporter of cable installation, cable jointing and electrical equipment for industrial and hazardous areas; the £354m contract for SSR automatic train control (ATC) signalling upgrade for LUL was awarded to Bombardier Transportation in June 2011. At the heart of the new system is Bombardier’s proven CITYFLO 650 ATC system which uses communication-based train control technology. It is similar to the & Derrick, along

New chief executive takes the reins Beck and Pollitzer, based in Kent, UK, has appointed Andrew Hodgson as the new chief executive officer. 
He replaced Tony Percival who has retired after more than 30 years in the industry. Mr Hodgson joined the company from Sulzer Dowding & Mills, where was managing director and had responsibility for 23 sites in the UK and two joint ventures overseas. 
Prior to this he worked as a director for Flowserve Corporation.
 As CEO of Beck and Pollitzer, he will oversee all areas of the business in both the UK and the 13 countries in which it operates worldwide. Beck and Pollitzer – UK Website : www.beck-pollitzer.com

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News Corporate

Alliance between Enkotec and Baussmann

Enkotec manufactures machinery for mass-produced nails as well as customised nail solutions, and is a supplier of spare parts, service and support to its customers. The technology is based on the unique rotary forming

Danish nail machine supplier Enkotec A/S has made a cooperation agreement with the long-standing manufacturer of collated fasteners and the corresponding machines, Baussmann Collated Fasteners GmbH in Germany. The agreement gives Enkotec exclusive rights to sell and service Baussmann’s wire coil collator worldwide.

▲ ▲ A wire collator from Baussmann

principle, invented in the early 1980s ensuring its customers high, uniform quality, high efficiency rates and high capacity. Baussmann has been at the forefront of knowledge and expertise in the manufacture of collated fasteners and collating machines for over 30 years. The manufacturer has developed, and marketed for a couple of years, the highly efficient wire coil collator, which is a perfect match to Enkotec’s nail machines. programme produced by the two companies is characterised by combining the use of advanced technology with a very operator-friendly construction, and the manufacturers are both committed to providing high standard machinery. Enkotec A/S – Denmark Website : www.enkotec.com Baussmann Collated Fasteners GmbH – Germany Website : www.collated-fasteners.de $140m contract Subsea 7 has been awarded a contract worth $140m from Statoil for the removal and replacement of risers, flowlines and associated subsea structures on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Subsea 7 – Luxembourg Website : www.subsea7.com The machine

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News Corporate

BICSI and CCCA join the fight against counterfeit and non-compliant cables

counterfeit cables that threaten a global industry and risk public safety. “When the layers of protection to assure that cables meet essential transmission and fire safety requirements are circumvented by counterfeits, end users and the entire supply chain suffer. "We are proud to collaborate with BICSI in an ongoing effort to protect legitimate brands, quality cable and connectivity products and public safety.” BICSI – USA Website : www.bicsi.org CCCA – USA Website : www.cccassoc.org

and put the consumer at risk. CCCA has made significant strides in educating the ITS consumer and US law enforcement in order to ensure the consumer is not deceived into buying cabling that is counterfeit or does not meet advertised standards. “While the work of CCCA is outside of BICSI’s charter, CCCA member cabling manufacturers and distributors have banded together to serve as the industry watchdog for these quality and safety issues.” Frank Peri, CCCA’s executive director, said: “This is an excellent example of CCCA and BICSI leadership working together to educate international law enforcement on

IN global distribution of counterfeit cable products, BICSI president Jerry Bowman presented on research and activities of the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) in fighting counterfeiting and substandard cabling. At Europol’s Awareness and Knowledge Building Conference in Spain, he was joined by speakers from the European Union, world law enforcement and customs officials such as Europol, Interpol, and World Customs Organization, as well as private sector experts from major household, industry and automotive brands. “All ITS industry stakeholders are affected by counterfeit and substandard product,” said Mr Bowman. “Everyone in the supply chain has a duty of care to ensure that the product they are purchasing or installing conforms with safety and quality standards and regulations. “When a counterfeit product is installed it’s more than a performance issue – it can threaten the safety of the workplace response to increasing

New head of sales Dr Alexander Kraetge has been appointed head of sales at Highvolt Prüftechnik Dresden GmbH. He is taking over from Ralf Bergmann who has been moved into a management role. Highvolt Prüftechnik Dresden GmbH – Germany Website : www.highvolt.de

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News Corporate

New sales manager

Summit Systems gets partner award

ronous and synchronous HV (high voltage) motors and their respective MCCs (motor control centres). He worked on distribution networks including cast resin and liquid-filled step-down transformers. This experience was gained in heavy process industries such as paper and sugar manufacturing. Sales and marketing director Andy Clarke said: “I am delighted to welcome David to our expanding sales and marketing team at this exciting time in the company’s progression. This appointment will enable us to address significant opportunities for our diverse range of precision taping and winding machinery in high growth sectors such as power and energy.” recently won a further contract for the international ITER fusion energy project. Ridgway Machines – UK Website : www.ridgwayeng.com Ridgway Machines

Ridgway Machines has appointed David Enslin as sales manager. Last year, Ridgway’s commitment to supporting rapid business growth and success in global markets led to the company moving to a new manufacturing facility. Three times larger than its previous factory, over 90 per cent of products are now exported to customers worldwide. Mr Enslin’s role is to develop and support international sales growth, focusing on key overseas regions and the Ridgway agent and distributor network. He will provide comprehensive technical and commercial solutions for the diverse requirements of Ridgway customers, ranging from small independent local companies to large multi-national corporations. He has ten years’ technical experience in HT (high tension) power applications, focusing on the installation, commissioning and maintenance of asynch-

At a ceremony held during the K 2013 exhibition, Maguire Europe honoured Summit Systems Ltd, its long-standing agent in the UK, for its leadership in introducing new auxiliary equipment technology to the marketplace. The award was presented to Summit Systems’ managing director, Mike Jordan, in a special “Partner Award” event at the Maguire Europe stand. Paul Edmondson, general manager of Maguire Europe, said: “During Summit Systems’ 22-year partnership with Maguire, Mr Jordan has personified his company’s progressive and innovative approach to the marketplace. “It was Mike who identified the market for gravimetric blender technology in the UK and was the first person to import gravimetric batch weight technology to Europe in 1990,” he added. “This foresight is at the heart of Summit’s ethos. The team’s relentless pursuit of excellence is impressive and exciting to be associated with.” Summit Systems – UK Website : www.summitsystems.co.uk Heading to Düsseldorf? Our preview starts on page 62

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News Corporate

Russian telecommunications company MegaFon has launched a terrestrial fibre optic cable route connecting Europe and Asia. Built in partnership with Kazakhtelecom and Interoute, the Diverse Route for European and Asian Markets (DREAM) extends 8,700km from Frankfurt to Kazakhstan’s border with China. It passes along a route, partly selected for low seismic activity, through Austria, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. “International telecom operators will be able to utilise the safest and most optimal route to organise the transfer of data for their clients, as well as increase the reliability of their networks,” said MegaFon CEO Ivan Tavrin, in a statement. “Every year the volume of traffic sent from Europe to Asia, along with the demand for the capacity of communication channels, is steadily growing. Therefore, we view this project as both significant and promising for MegaFon’s business.” Russian link to Europe and Asia At launch, DREAM is offering access to 10Gbps dense wavelength division multiplexing channels. The entire cable system has a potential maximum capacity of 8Tbps. “Terrestrial routes like DREAM are the ideal solution for the development of high speed circuits between these two parts of the world,” said Renzo Ravaglia, executive vice president of Interoute’s service provider business.

Nexans jobs cut Nexans has revealed plans to cut 468 jobs and transfer a further 462 positions to cope with weaker European demand and overcapacity. Following a 2.9 per cent fall in sales over the first nine months of 2013, the company has also cut its full-year EBITDA and operating margin goals. “In Europe, a lack of growth, overcapacity and fierce competition mean the group needs to consider measures to address the situation,” Nexans said in a statement. The restructuring, which also entails the creation of 39 new positions, will primarily concern France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Belgium. Chief financial officer Nicolas Badre announced that in France, where Nexans employs around 3,300 people, 206 jobs will be cut and 87 positions transferred. Nexans employs 25,000 people worldwide, including 14,700 in Europe.

“The new path, from our point of view, will be an alternative solution to existing transcontinental systems and will meet high demand on the market.”

Nexans – France Website : www.nexans.com

MegaFon – Russia Website : www.megafon.ru

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News Corporate

Lubricants for all types of wire applications

All products meet EC health and safety regulations and are backed up with ISO 9001 and OSHAS 18001. Due to the world price conflict of all raw materials and general costs, Traxit is continuously developing lubricants for the reduction of total production costs (€/to wire). This advantage of higher productivity helps customers produce their own material in a cheaper way.

Traxit International provides the wire drawing industry with a complete range of lubricants to suit all types of wire for all applications. From simple beginnings in 1881 in Schwelm, Germany, Traxit has grown to be one of the largest wire drawing lubricant producers in the world, operating from its manufacturing bases in Germany, China and USA. Its lubricants are sold throughout the world with its own companies, agents or representatives present in over 150 countries.

The company will be in hall 9, stand F26 at wire Düsseldorf 2014.

Traxit International – Germany Website : www.traxit.de

Throughout this time the company has concentrated solely on wire drawing lubricants and compounds. With extensive research and development facilities, all its technicians are devoted to improving products and processes for wire production. With over 200 different formulations in the product range Traxit is able to guarantee the right product for all customer needs, whether general or specialised. The choice of the ideal lubricant requires as much technical information as possible. Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd has moved its cable assembly division into new premises at the Corby Enterprise Centre (UK). Head of the Intelliconnect project, and former Rhophase production manager, Arden Lawson said: “This is a truly excellent facility, which will enable us to continue producing our affordable, high quality cables.” The Corby plant will focus on producing high frequency microwave cables, high specification triaxial assemblies and semi-rigids as well as standard RG/LMR type products. Intelliconnect’s sales director, Gavin Mintern, said: “This significant investment has greatly expanded our capability and brings us closer to our goal of becoming a major player in this market.” The new cable assembly facility will offer waterproofing to IP68, triaxial cable assemblies and special features, including phase matching, high frequency operation and ruggedised assemblies for use in harsh environments. Corby cable assembly facility

Intelliconnect – UK Website : www.intelliconnect.co.uk

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News Corporate

Alcatel-Lucent has reached an agreement with Telefónica, to become a reference supplier for its 4G LTE network in Spain, in a project that is among the largest in Europe.
 Telefónica selected Alcatel-Lucent to deliver a 4G LTE network overlay • Alcatel-Lucent will deploy some 8,000 4G LTE base stations and the 5620 Service Aware Manager (5620 SAM) • Commercial 4G LTE networks are about ten times faster than 3G networks when they are used for downloading mobile content. Network tests also saw upload speeds of around ten megabits-per-second and low latency connections of 50 milliseconds • Alcatel-Lucent will also deliver installation and turnkey project management services in the initial phase of the project, as well as systems integration, maintenance and configuration optimisation to reduce time-to-market even further Spain Flymca is continuously manufacturing special solutions for stranding/cabling purposes adapted to the global cable market. Its expertise covers the complete range of machines for stranding and laying-up of conductors for the power cables field as well as for the steel ropes market. Off-shore, submarine and umbilical cables production is also part of its machines’ scope of supply. under inceasing development over the last years, is one of the Flymca’s key areas of expertise. A huge technical knowledge helps customers to achieve their goals, together with a complete capability that goes from research and development to the final delivery, and an after sales-service going through the whole engineering, manufacturing, assembling, software, quality control as well as installation and commissioning by experienced staff. Among the markets that the company is involved in: the high voltage area delivering a screening line and several sets of take-ups over 100 tons with reels diameter 5m; the fibre optic market delivering an armouring line based on a 30 bobbin tubular with a bulkhead to locate the fibre optic reel; and a bow cabler prepared for laying-up of control cables and insulated conductors Special solutions The stranding technology, Key facts: •

▲ ▲ Flymca and Flyro – catering for the whole wire and cable industry

Newmanaging director for Europe CommScope Inc has appointed of William O’Connell as managing director, Northern Europe. Mr O’Connell moves up from his role as CommScope’s EMEA technical director for its enterprise solutions division, where he successfully drove the technical support for enterprise customers throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. In his new role he will be responsible for developing, driving and implementing the enterprise sales and channel strategy in Northern Europe. Jim Curran has also been appointed to the Middle East/Africa team as regional sales director, Gulf countries. CommScope Inc – USA Website : www.commscope.com electrical solutions to achieve better and quicker production. Composed of a skilled and experienced team as well as modern and large facilities, Flymca and Flyro can meet special requirements in the wire and cable industry, matching needs and budget with customised solutions. Flymca & Flyro – Spain Website : www.flymca.com Website : www.flyro.es

for Telefonica Spain • Largest 4G LTE agreement for Alcatel-Lucent in Western Europe to date and supports Alcatel-Lucent’s ultra-broadband strategy as it helps service providers meet the ever-growing demands for data over their networks • Agreement follows two successful pre-commercial 4G LTE pilot networks in Madrid and Barcelona and the demonstration of Alcatel-Lucent’s 4G LTE capabilities over a live network- consisting of small ‘metro cells’ and macro base stations • Deployment complements Telefónica Spain’s existing ultra-broadband fibre network • Alcatel-Lucent has established a strong global leadership position in 4G LTE with more than 40 contracts for commercial deployments, including two of the largest 4G LTE network roll-outs to date located in reels diameter 1,600mm, with precise tension control for conductors from 4mm 2 to 185mm 2 . Sister company Flyro deals with used machinery and has a huge inventory for the wire and cable industry. Special offers can be made combining used and new equipment as well as revamped solutions, modernising equipment mechanically and also using updated

One of Europe’s largest 4G projects

Alcatel-Lucent – France Website : www.alcatel-lucent.com

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News Corporate

DEMcold rolling line produces thin copper strips

A manufacturer of electro-conductors in North America successfully started-up and commissioned a complete cold rolling line for the production of non-ferrous metals supplied by DEM Wire Rolling Technology of Italy. The line is aimed at the fabrication of extreme purity, high-conductivity copper strips in ETP or OF grades then used for the fabrication of PV ribbons as well as clad bus bars. The rationale for this project is the achievement of an increased output rate while keeping a constant tolerance on size; altogether avoiding the use of slit materials. The product mix includes end products having a minimum thickness of 0.009" and maximum width of approximately 0.5". The correct geometry is assured by an in-line laser measurement looped to the line

▲ ▲ Cold rolling line from DEM

This is a state-of-the-art automated solution developed to grant near-zero downtimes. The premium quality of strip winding leading to coreless coils with right angle between barrel and flange sides while keeping superb roundness eases logistics and downstream operations whatever the final strip destination. With these provisions, the customer is operating one of the most avant-garde mills for strip production in the world. The line consists of pay-off facilities, flattening rolling stands, edging stands, dancers, cooling facilities, wiping device, in-line laser measurement and coiler with automatic unloading facilities. DEM acted as a system integrator supplying all the electric equipment, controls and software for line automation. The supervision to commissioning of the line and training of the customer’s personnel were also included in DEM’s scope of supply. DEMWire Rolling Technology – Italy Website : www.demgroup.com Awards time for JDR JDR, a provider of subsea technology connecting the offshore energy industry, has won the Business Growth Award at the EEF 2013 Future Manufacturing Awards for the South-East Region. The regional awards recognise UK companies that have delivered dramatic business growth through actively managed and consistently delivered growth strategies. As a regional winner, JDR will now go forward to the National Awards, which will be announced on 30 th January 2014. The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards also recognised JDR’s success in export markets; JDR was a runner-up in the Export Growth category for manufacturers that have successfully grown exports into their existing markets. JDR – UK Website : www.jdrglobal.com

stands via computer-controlled servomotors. This arrangement allows continuous adjustment of the rolled strip under load. All products are traverse wound on cardboard as coreless coils weighing up to 1,200kg at speeds as high as 10m/s on a DEM layering and coiling system with fixed wire line.

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News Corporate

Westermost Rough contract

Tuning in for the BAS Ormiston Wire was put to the test in one of the world’s harshest environments when the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) asked it to supply antennas. With Antarctica, on average, being the coldest, driest and windiest continent on earth, the solution required a strong yet lightweight product robust enough to withstand the unforgiving conditions. A bespoke solution from Ormiston ensured the team’s safety and successful ongoing operations. The wire was made from a number of materials in which Ormiston has developed considerable expertise: copper, Kevlar and PVC coatings. Using a cross-sectional area of tinned copper over a Kevlar core, the antenna was braided and then insulated using a red PVC coating. Following testing, the designed prototype far exceeded the anticipated strength and performance tolerances likely to be experienced. OrmistonWire Ltd – UK Website : www.ormiston-wire.co.uk

Tekmar Energy has been awarded a cable protection contract for the Westermost Rough offshore wind farm. Situated 8km off the coast of Hull, Westermost Rough wind farm will cover an area of 35km 2 , generating 210MW of electricity. Tekmar Energy, headquartered in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, will provide bespoke coverings to protect the infield and export cables from exposure to loads, deformations and fatigue during installation and over the wind farm’s service life. Tekmar chief executive James Richie said: “The Westermost Rough project will play an important role in reducing CO 2 emissions and contribute towards the UK achieving its targets of electricity generation from renewable energy schemes. “This is a significant project for us...and the fifth time we have worked with DONG Energy. “We will be supplying Westermost Rough OWF with our Teklink cable protection system which brings a range of benefits

when compared to more traditional cable installation and protection.” In comparison with other subsea cable installations, Tekmar’s Teklink system does not require a j-tube and utilises a remote installation method. This is said to offer enhanced cable life and resilience, and to reduce the risk of damage and need for maintenance. Over the past five years Tekmar has installed over 2,000 cable protection systems with a further 1,000 in design or manufacture for wind farms across Europe. Tekmar Energy – UK Website : www.tekmar.co.uk ▲ ▲ Cable protection systems from Tekmar Energy. Photograph courtesy of Tekmar Energy

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Bright way forward for Air Control

Air Control Industries in Axminster, UK, is benefiting from a bespoke 50 kW solar PV array on its factory roof, which is generating significant yields and helping lower its energy bills. The system, which uses BenQ Solar panels, was installed at the end of 2013 and has already generated in excess of 40,000 kWh. Nick Wilson, purchasing manager at Air Control Industries, said: “Solar PV is an obvious choice for us, as it makes perfect financial sense: the payback period is short and we’re continually generating free electricity that receives Feed-in Tariff payments. The spin-off is that it’s great for our green credentials too.” With a large surface area and suitable geographical location, solar PV appeared at first glance to be a straightforward solution. However, after Exeter-based SunGift Energy carried out an initial survey and consulted with structural engineers, it was clear that any solution would not only have to generate the maximum amount of electricity using high quality panels, but also maintain the structural integrity of the roof. To make this possible, SunGift’s design team – led by Oliver Grogono – liaised closely with an independent firm of structural engineers and designed a system with sufficient spacing between the rows of panels to ensure that the roof structure wasn’t compromised at any time. This enabled SunGift to make the best use of the roof’s existing structure, minimise the loading, and provide a system that met Air Control Industries’ needs. Nick Wilson added: “SunGift did an excellent job, and – if the structure of our roof will allow it, with some additional strengthening – we will seriously consider increasing the size of the system to 250 kW.” The system also included three Sputnik Engineering SolarMax inverters. These Swiss-made inverters are very efficient, meaning that the amount of electricity generated by the PV panels is maximised.

Air Control Industries – UK Website : www.aircontrolindustries.com

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Within the framework of an asset deal successfully concluded in July, Highvolt Prüftechnik Dresden GmbH has acquired parts of the measuring systems division of insolvent manufacturer bitGate data systems GmbH in Alsfeld, Germany. Germany needs to expand its power grids and needs to change its renewable energy policy to boost security of supply, Mr Homann asserts. The law grants uncapped subsidies for operators of renewable projects. Bundesnetzagentur – Germany Website : www.bundesnetzagentur.de Highvolt expands its competence base in the field of digital measuring systems Security issue for Germans Germany’s power market is showing signs of declining security of supply, according to Jochen Homann, the president of grid regulator Bundesnetzagentur. Mr Homann stated, at an energy conference in Munich, that the nation’s four grid operators, especially Tennet TSO GmbH and 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, needed to intervene to stabilise the grids during 7,200 hours last year, compared with 1,800 hours in 2010. He explained that the interventions are a result of renewable generation capacity putting a strain on grids. Germany boosted its share of power supply from renewable energy sources to 23 per cent last year, from 17 per cent in 2010, as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government seeks to shutdown all nuclear reactors by 2022. Renewable energy’s reliance on unpredictable wind and sunshine has led to intermittent power flows in the grid, which operators need to regulate to prevent outages. “There are alarming signs that point to a decline of security of supply, such as a higher number of interventions into the grids by operators, the use of winter reserve plants and the reduction of renewable output on some days,” Mr Homann said. “A blackout in Germany is not imminent. Neither is a brownout, where single users of power are taken offline selectively.”

“The deal has enabled us to add highly qualified services relating to pulse current and voltage measurements to our already extensive portfolio in the field of high-voltage testing and measuring systems,” said managing director Dr Ralf Bergmann. Highvolt’s new generation of transient recorders

is characterised by the particularly high number of parallel measuring channels. The use of fibre-optic transmission technologies facilitates extremely reliable signal transmission with transient recorders such as the digital system AD3000. “Our customers will also benefit from a greatly expanded range of software, which can be tailored precisely to the most varied customer needs,” added managing director Bernhard Nick. “The expansion of our product range to include further technologically sophisticated, customer-specific measuring systems will further strengthen Highvolt’s standing in the market.” ▲ ▲ AD3000 S6 for rack mounting with two fibre optical probes

Highvolt Prüftechnik Dresden GmbH – Germany Website : www.highvolt.de

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