WCA MAY 2015

Industry news

Local talent for local supply

Power exchange During January 2015 Tajikistan’s 220kW and 110kW networks from Sangtuda-1 and Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plants reportedly transmitted nearly 55GWh of electricity to Afghanistan: 25GWh more than in the same period in 2014. However, the electricity rationing that was introduced in Tajikistan on 1 st October, and which resulted in the reduction of electricity supply in rural areas to fewer than 12 hours per day, is still in effect in the country. The Tajik president, Emomali Rahmon, has since ordered an increase in supply to residential customers in rural areas to 13 hours – six hours in the morning and seven hours in the evening. Sangtuda-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant – Tajikstan Website : www.tajik-gateway.org

SWISS cable specialist Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) has opened new 1,500m 2 fibre optic solution assembly and production facility in Riyadh. The facility will have dedicated quality control personnel, while every batch of raw material will be monitored by the Swiss headquarters to ensure that “the R&M Swiss quality is maintained”, a statement said. Staff at the new facility will be trained in Switzerland. Manzoor Ali, managing director, R&M Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen, said: “R&M is today recognised as one of the top three cabling vendors in the region, thanks to our strong local presence, together with Swiss engineering. “A few years ago we had a vision of becoming the leading cabling vendor in Saudi Arabia and to achieve that vision we have been investing in the country, for the country.” The cabling manufacturer is looking to

use Saudi employees to build a motivated and sustainable workforce. Mr Ali added: “In the first phase, we are hoping to open doors for young Saudi technical personnel and the facility is equipped to have up to 20 technicians working in a single shift.” Reichle & De-Massari – Switzerland Website : www.rdm.com ❍ New fibre optic solution assembly and production facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Wire & Cable ASIA – May/June 2015