WCA November 2010

Industry news

The Communications Cable and Connectivity Association Inc (CCCA) applauded action by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to stem the flow of non-compliant communications cable being imported into the North American market. UL has taken strong action to maintain the integrity of its UL mark and cable performance certifications by publicly identifying manufacturers and their distributors who are supplying sub-standard and unsafe cable products into the market. In addition, UL has established further initiatives to verify the integrity of UL listed cables through detailed analytical testing of cable component materials and new marketplace surveillance. These efforts by UL are, in part, a result of CCCA sharing information and encouraging each of the two independent testing/certification agencies to develop stronger measures to assure compliance to national fire safety codes and telecommunications industry standards for transmission performance. CCCA is a non-profit organisation, founded in 2007. Member companies include AlphaGary, Anixter, Berk-Tek, CommScope, Daikin America, Dupont, OFS (a Furukawa company), PolyOne, Solvay Solexis and Tyco Electronics. Fighting to uphold standards The AMEinfo.com news site reports that Saudi-based Middle East Specialised Cables (MESC) has secured a $14m contract from Korea’s GS Engineering and Construction Corp to supply instrumentation cables for the Takreer Ruwais refinery expansion in Abu Dhabi. The project is part of ADNOC’s strategy to develop its downstream industry and to meet the growing demand for high quality petroleum products in the local markets as well as increase its presence in the international market. MESC wins refinery contract Middle East Specialised Cables (MESC) – Saudi Arabia Website : www.mesccables.com Alcan Cable, a business of Rio Tinto, has announced that it will consolidate its cable production facilities to improve the performance of its cable business. As a result, Alcan will close its Roseburg, Oregon facility by the end of 2010. “This decision is difficult, but has been made necessary by the prolonged poor market conditions and outlook in the market,” explained Jack Miller, president of Alcan Cable. “Moving forward, Alcan Cable will focus on its North American production at its remaining cable facilities and continue to provide high quality cable products and service to our customers.” Alcan Cable’s focus will be on ensuring a seamless transition during the plant closure process, while the realignment of manufacturing operations will provide Alcan Cable with the flexibility to expand production capacity at its remaining cable plants. The company has established a severance programme and an on-site out-placement centre to assist employees in their transition. Alcan Cable to consolidate its North American cable production Alcan Cable – USA Website : www.cable.alcan.com

CCCA – USA Website : www.cccassoc.org

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Wire & Cable ASIA – November/December 2010