wiredInUSA November 2020

Joint venture can get to work

Carbon fiber in cable production

Brian Kim, CEO of Essex Furukawa

New commercialization of a communication cable from LS Cable and System LS Cable and System has commercialized a communication cable that uses carbon fiber as a shielding material, rather than the conventional copper or aluminum. Carbon fiber is only a quarter of the weight of steel, but is ten times stronger and seven times more elastic. Using carbon fiber makes the cable up to 20% lighter, and adds flexibility and durability. If carbon fiber is applied to automotive wires and cables, weight savings of up to 25kg per vehicle are possible. LS C&S has finished preparation for mass- production of LAN cables for equipment operation and system management in smart factories and buildings, and is now applying the new technology toall industrial cables. “It’s hard tofindacaseof commercialization of cables to which carbon fiber is applied anywhere in the world,” said Roe-hyun Myung, president and CEO of LS C&S. “We are making efforts … through continuous [research and development] in new materials and environment-friendly products.”

Superior Essex Inc and Furukawa Electric Co have announced the finalization of a global joint venture, expanding upon a previous magnet wire partnership. The combined company will operate as Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire LLC, using the “Essex Furukawa” brand. Customers of Essex Furukawa are expected to benefit from an expansion of custom product solutions, the sharing of best practices, and better service for customers from additional points of shipping, expanded global sales and technical teams, increased global rod and foundry resources, and a diversified global development team. “This is an exciting day, not only due to the finalization of the Essex Furukawa deal, but also as it marks the creation of a technological powerhouse in the magnet wire industry that can service many of the leading enterprises,” said Brian Kim, CEO of the newly formed Essex Furukawa. There will be no immediate or material change to the organization evident to the customer, though Essex Furukawa may pursue some restructuring.

wiredInUSA November 2020

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