WCA January 2020

Industry news

IWCS 2019 focused on the future

THE IWCS 2019 International Cable & Connectivity Symposium welcomed attendees to the annual conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, last September. “In spite of international macro- economic and geopolitical challenges, we overcame them and were more than pleased with our symposium in Charlotte,” said IWCS chairman Scott H Wasserman, PhD, of Dow, Inc. “Vital advances in our industry on the horizon, such as 5G networking, systems and cable innovation, along with the requisite need for new materials to enable them, demand a forum for us to discuss that technology. IWCS remains the premier global technical forum for open discussion and collaboration that will fuel our industry into the future.” The executive session included CRU’s Richard Mack providing an overview of the global markets for metallic wire and cable as well as optical fibre markets. Michael Finch, also of CRU International, discussed optical cable markets and trends in broadband network construction, and Robert Fry, of Robert Fry Economics, LLC, gave a global economic outlook. Robert Canny, of Marmon Wire and Cable Group, led the Executive Panel

❍ The evening reception was held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Support 5G and Data Traffic Growth”, and discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and Industry 4.0. The event featured 110 unique presentations over the four days of the Symposium, along with eight professional development courses led by industry experts. Presenters and attendees came from 27 countries, with 80 per cent of attendees from the Americas, and Europe and Asia each contributing 10 per cent. Technical session topics included materials; reliability and network management; data centre and central office; multimode fibre; advancing power and data transmission over copper; special applications; optical fibre design and ultra low loss; codes and standards; and advances in optical connectivity. One paper this year was written and presented by students from the University of North Carolina, which fitted in well with the IWCS emphasis on encouraging and supporting the next generation to enter the industry. This paper will be featured as a technical article in the May issue of Wire & Cable ASIA . The IWCS 2020 Cable & Connectivity Symposium will be held in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, from 11 to 14 October, 2020. IWCS, Inc www.iwcs.org

Session, which was a lively, informative discussion on the topic “CTO Crystal Ball – Telecommunications in 2025 and Beyond”. Panellists included Morgan Kurk of CommScope, Claudio Mazzali of Corning, and Srini Siripurapu of the Prysmian Group. Mr Kurk was also the plenary keynote speaker, presenting “Our Future Con- nected World: Network Architecture to

Steel wire rope manufacturer Hendrik Veder Group has reported significant growth over the last year, since investing in its UK activities. International development director Harry MacLean commented, “This investment has resulted in the ability to synergise our UK provision with that of the wider group. The capability now exists to deliver a consistent range of combined products and services, with economies of scale and additional technical support in Europe.” The group has developed significantly in Aberdeen, moving from a city centre office space to a large-scale manufacturing base at Bridge of Don. Additional presses at its Sheffield site have increased its UK manufacturing capacity by more than 150 per cent. With facilities in five European countries, the Netherlands-based group specialises in steel wire and fibre rope products, and operates one of the largest wire rope sling production and test facilities in Europe. Findlay Moir, managing director of Hendrik Veder Group UK, said, “Since early 2018, we have gone to considerable lengths to ensure our long-term commitment to [UK Continental Shelf activities], as we continue to focus on a strengthened supply chain capability.” Hendrik Veder Group www.hendrikvedergroup.com Wire rope manufacturer goes to “considerable lengths”

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Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2020