EuroWire March 2022

Corporate News

Mixer expands logistics capability In 2021, Mixer SpA celebrated the 25 th anniversary of its foundation: a milestone that it says was reached through “the pursuit of innovation and technological improvement, to conceive solutions for the cable industry.” logistics services and the internal supply chain. The new area completes the logistic system, together with the warehouse built in 2019, and internal traffic has been streamlined to allow more efficient truck circulation.

automotive sector and medium voltage insulation, being strategic for this market segment. In June, the wire 2022 trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany, will provide con- nection opportunities with the industry’s decision makers, as well as allowing the company to offer a comprehensive over- view of its EKOPREN ® portfolio, including a new range of rubber compounds for in- sulation and sheathing – processable with continuous vulcanisation or e-beam cable production lines. encompass thermoplastic bedding grades compliant to the Construction Products Regulation. These tailored rubber-based solutions are designed to meet international specifications required for several applications, such as automotive, offshore, marine, photovoltaic and mining industry. Mixer SpA www.mixercompounds.com The products also

Mixer has also created a business unit based in Columbus, Ohio, USA, named XO Trade. The new subsidiary is focused on the US market, with particular reference to the

The company recently built a new logistics area, with more than 2,500m 2 dedicated to the storage of materials and products. The structure was built with an ecological approach and is designed to optimise the

Mixer’s new logistics area

Die technology training Mikrotek has launched MCX – a new initiative to train technicians to order new dies and to maintain used dies, to effectively run drawing machines. MCX (Mikrotek centre of excellence) offers certified courses in die technology, and aims to impart theoretical and practical training in die maintenance activities to technicians working in wire drawing departments. Many cable companies are expanding and upgrading their old machines with the latest technology. With the arrival of high- speed multi-wire drawing machines, it is a challenge to run the equipment efficiently at rated speeds and with no (or at least fewer) wire breaks. If an operator is already using the best drawing machines, good quality lubricants and good quality copper, the focus shifts to good quality drawing dies.

To support their wire drawing operations, many cable companies have their own in-house dies shops. These require skilled and trained die shop technicians who can maintain die inventory efficiently and to specification. Realising that there was considerable scope for “up-skilling” die shop technicians, Mikrotek has created its MCX centre of excellence, with the objective to impart training to die shop technicians around the world. Under the MCX name, Mikrotek has set up a workshop and a training centre with modern teaching tools near Bangalore, India. MCX is headed by a full-time coordinator supported by two supervisors. Experienced experts from the industry visit MCX to conduct special classes or present case studies. MCX offers two certified programmes. The Foundation Course is targeted at new technicians who are interested in a career in die maintenance workshops. The course, conducted over three weeks, focuses on the fundamentals of dies, die making and die maintenance. The Refresher Course is for technicians who have experience in die maintenance and are already engaged in die maintenance activities. By the end of this one-week course, the technicians will have refreshed their knowledge and improved their skills, and will have been trained in the latest tools and techniques. At the end of each course, technicians are required to take tests, following which a certificate is awarded. Both courses are offered for a nominal fee, with sharing accommodation near the MCX centre. Mikrotek Machines Ltd www.mikrotek.co.in

Mikrotek’s MCX centre can teach technicians to inspect and maintain drawing dies

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March 2022