wiredInUSA October 2020

Issue No. 112 - October 2020

www.wiredInUSA.com

America’s online magazine for wire and cable

wiredIn USA

A constructive acquisition Page 9

Texas storage plans. Page 11

Melt shop and bloom caster contract. Page 27

Double harnesses! Page 33

RAYEX S XT • Easy and quick set up for new products • Fast eccentricity and diameter measurement • Added longevity due to high-quality xray source Precision Wall Thickness Measurement

Family owned since 1957, Zumbach is a global leader in the industry. Driven by innovation and experience. We are here for you and ready to build the future together. www.zumbach.com • sales@zumbach.ch

EDITOR

Southwire’s expansion continues apace with news that it has acquired Construction Electrical Products (CEP), which manufactures temporary power distribution and portable lighting products. In support of Southwire’s goal to be ‘generationally sustainable for the next 100 years plus’, it has added the Livermore, California-based operation to its portfolio.

CEP’s existing product line will combine with Southwire’s expanding electrical safety and lighting solutions.

CEP employs 47 staff. See page 9 for more details.

Broad Reach Power has begunwork on two 100MW/100MWh greenfield battery storage products.

The company, based in Houston, Texas, is investing over $100m in the recently acquired projects in Mason and Williamson counties in the Lone Star state. Expected to be online in 2021, the plants will operate alongside the company’s utility-scale battery storage plants near Houston and Odessa.

More details on page 11.

David Bell Editor

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wiredInUSA October 2020

October 2020 Issue No.112 CONTENTS

06 PAGE

Show Diary 2020/21

09 PAGE

Making the News Industry news from the USA

26 PAGE

Europe news The latest news from Europe

32 PAGE

Asia & Africa News The latest news from Asia & Africa

38 PAGE

Products, Machines & Technology The latest news from machine industries

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wiredIn USA

© 2020 Intras Limited UK ISSN 2046 - 9497 Publishers of EuroWire and Wire & Cable ASIA magazines

INTRAS OFFICES Europe: 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755

Email: read@wiredinusa.com Website: www.wiredinusa.com

USA: Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 Email: doug@intras.co.uk

News Editor David Bell david@wiredinusa.com

Features Editor (USA and Europe) Gill Watson Publisher Caroline Sullens

Sales & Marketing (International) Sales Director Jason Smith jason@wiredinusa.com +44 1926 834 684 Accounts Manager Karen Low karen@intras.co.uk

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Diary Shows & Events 2020/21

October 11-14 October 2020 IWCS 2020 Cable &

October 26-28 October 2020

CRU World Optical Fiber & Cable Conference 2020 Milan, Italy www.worldopticalfiberconference.com

Connectivity Symposium A virtual symposium & exhibition www.iwcs.org

December 7-11 December 2020 wire Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany www.wire.de

March 9-12 March 2021 EuroBLECH

Hanover, Germany www.euroblech.com March 25-27 March 2021 wire India Mumbai, India www.wire-india.com

March 19-23 March 2021 TOLEXPO Lyon, France www.tolexpo.com

For more info visit: www.wiredinusa.com/showinfo.php

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07–11Dec 2020

SAVE THE NEW DATE

join the best: Düsseldorf Germany www.wire.de www.tube.de

It will be the big industry spectacle: The world’s leading trade fairs for the wire and cable, tube and tube processing industries are extending an invitation. Experience visionary machines, technologies and processes. At wire: For the first time, pioneers in the manufacture of end products – springs and fasteners - will be there. Thus, the complete value chain from raw materials to industry right up to high-end results is represented. At Tube: Trends in OCTG technologies, process solutions, from tube cutting to tube trading. And never before have both trade fairs been so green: The ecoMetals Trails will lead you to the pioneers of sustainability. The field of progress has been prepared - for you as a decision-maker of the future. The best thing to do would be to register today: wire.de/2130 and Tube.de/2130

International Wire and Cable Trade Fair Internationale Fachmesse Draht und Kabel

International Tube and Pipe Trade Fair Internationale Rohr-Fachmesse

For show information: Messe Düsseldorf North America Tel. (312)781-5180 _ info@mdna.com www.mdna.com For hotel and travel arrangements: TTI Travel, Inc. Tel. (866)674-3476 _ info@ttitravel.net

A constructive acquisition M A K I N G T H E NEWS

In support of Southwire’s goal to be “generationally sustainable for the next 100 years plus”, the company has announced its acquisition of Construction Electrical Products (CEP) of Livermore, California. CEP is a manufacturer of temporary power distribution and portable lighting products. Through this acquisition, Southwire will welcome 47 employees from CEP and will integrate its Livermore facility with Southwire’s network. CEP’s existing product line will combine with Southwire’s expanding electrical safety and lighting solutions.

“We are incredibly excited to grow our business through the addition of CEP,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “As we continue to expand our tools, components, and assembled solutions team, CEP’s 40-year legacy and presence in the temporary power and portable lighting market will be a strong complement to Southwire’s product portfolio and our strategic growth initiatives.” Southwire will leverage CEP’s Custom UL 1640 manufacturing program, which has allowed CEP to build UL-certified products to customer specifications.

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Texas storage plans

Broad Reach also has other plans for expanding its storage portfolio in Texas. The company is repeating the dual greenfield and acquisition approach it previously adopted in California, Montana and other western markets where the company has 700MW of projects with signed interconnection agreements.

Broad Reach Power, a Houston-based independent power producer, has begun work on two 100MW/100MWh greenfield battery storage projects. The company will invest over $100 million in the recently acquired projects in Mason and Williamson counties in Texas. Expected to go online in 2021, the plants will operate alongside the company’s utility-scale battery storage plants near Houston and Odessa.

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Pipeline growth by acquisition

Global renewable energy developer, service provider and distributor BayWa r.e. has acquired Enable Energy Inc (EEI), a US-based commercial and industrial solar and energy storage solutions provider. BayWa r.e. currently has 750MW of solar and wind projects under construction in California, North Carolina, Texas and Mexico, and will pass 1GW of utility-scale installations in North America by the end of 2020. The addition of EEI’s pipeline will

The Beta LaserMike brand has been faithfully serving the wire and cable industry for over 50 years and we have thousands of satisfied customers that rely on our measurement systems every day to improve quality, increase productivity and deliver manufacturing savings. We are committed to your success. Precision Measurement & Control Solutions “The addition of EEI to the BayWa r.e. Americas family will create multiple collaborative opportunities with our existing businesses, and improve our position in strategic regional and vertical markets such as commercial solar-plus- storage,” said Axel Veeser, managing director, BayWa r.e. USA LLC. bring BayWa r.e.’s total pipeline of solar and wind projects to over 5GW in the region.

In-Process Gauging Off-Line Inspection Quality Cable Testing

Get more from Beta LaserMike.

See us at Wire Southeast Asia, Booth H35

Making Light Work

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Plastics expansion

Aurora Plastics of Ohio has extended the production capacity of its Lunenberg, Massachusetts facility, increasing the company’s ability to supply specialized compounds to thewireandcable industry. At a cost in excess of $2 million, the company has installed a new production line and new research facilities, as well as adding new personnel, including two new PhD scientists, three business development managers, aplant manager and production staff. “Aurora Plastics now offers a new line of wire and cable compounds that

include AuroraFlex PVC and TPEs, as well as AuroraGuard halogen-free, and low smoke compounds as well as flame retardant concentrates. “Our newest compounds feature temperature ratings up to 125ºC, limited oxygen index over 50%, with improved abrasion resistance and the ability to withstand severe cold temperatures,” explained Chris Coco, director of business development, flexible and specialty compounds at Aurora Plastics.

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New York, New Jersey, new fiber

The New York and New Jersey regions will benefit from enhanced backbone connectivity, following a partnership between Telia Carrier and ZenFi Networks. The collaboration brings together the companies’ technology and infrastructure to provide quick deployment, increase scalability and reduce downtime. It will allow ZenFi Networks to offer expanded digital capabilities across its footprint to major cloud providers via Telia

Carrier’s IP backbone. It will also allow wholesale and enterprise customers to expand their reach to over 300 points of presence in 120 global markets. Telia Carrier will have access to ZenFi Networks’ 1,100 fiber route miles for access to enterprise destinations across New York and New Jersey.

DeWAL PTFE Films and Tapes New solutions for challenging applications

DeWAL designs and manufactures a broad assortment of skived, unsintered and low density PTFE films and tapes. Our specialty laminates combine PTFE with porous substrates and films to withstand abrasion, harsh chemicals, hostile environments and irregular surfaces. For cost-effective film and tape solutions for masking, insulating, shielding, conducting and coating, call DeWAL today.

15 Ray Trainor Drive Narragansett, RI 02882

www.dewal.com usa1@rogerscorporation.com 800-366-8356 (International: 001-401-789-9736)

For details and specs, go to www.dewal.com.

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Safety – in numbers

Fiber optic able manufacturer AFL has earned three South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) Plant Safety awards for its manufacturing locations in Spartanburg, South Carolina. AFL’s accessories facility passed 6,000,000 hours without a Lost Time Accident; the facility at Hillside Enterprise Park continued its record of zero recordable injuries; and AFL’s Howell Road facility continued its record of zero recordables since its opening, two years ago.

Facilities with a low rate of incidents that result in lost workdays, job transfers or restrictions, below statewide manufacturing averages for their NAICS code, were nominated for the award. The facilities involved manufacture fiber optic cable, accessories and fusion splicers, and operate in highly industrial environments.

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108 RADO DRIVE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 / +1 203-723-2590 / WWW.ELECTRICCABLECOMPOUNDS.COM

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I N N O V A T I O N S F O R T H E C A B L E I N D U S T R Y

ELECTRICITY IS LIFE

Power Cables are best made on TROESTER Lines

With the expansion of electricity networks, people all over the world use electricity to bring more light into their lives as well as increased joy, comfort and security.

Power cables that have been produced, using TROESTER systems, for high-quality, medium-voltage (MV), high- voltage (HV) and extremely-high-voltage (EHV) cables offer cable manufacturers significant cost benefits in production as well as TROESTER’s outstanding level of quality. This ensures that energy consumers around the world can enjoy the highest level of supply security. www.troester.de

CCV Line from TROESTER for the cost-effective production of MV, HV and EHV cables with perfect concentricity and roundness and long production lengths.

Contracts for new Arizona plant

Boeing will be among the customers for Salt River Project’s forthcoming 100MW solar power plant in Eloy, Arizona. Boeing’s Mesa site, situated about 50 miles from the plant, will receive 25% of its electricity needs from the project for 15 years. “It makes sense to take advantage of renewable solar energy at a location that enjoys 295 days of sunshine a year,” said Beth Schryer, Boeing vice president of facilities and asset management.

The agreement builds on Boeing’s renewable energy and energy efficiency policy. Two Boeing sites – Renton, Washington, and Charleston, South Carolina – already use 100% renewable energy, and the company is ranked 17 th on the EPA’s Green Power Partnership Fortune 500 Partners list.

The 700-acre Eloy plant is expected to start operations in December 2021.

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Bringing solar jobs to southwest Virginia

By the end of 2023 a southwest Virginia partnership plans to have constructed 10MW of solar generation and created new full-time jobs in the solar sector. The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, comprising a number of organizations seeking to develop a renewable energy cluster in the coalfield counties of Virginia, recently announced a partnership with Virginia-based Secure Futures, a company that builds, owns, manages and funds

solar solutions for hospitals, schools and businesses.

The collaboration aims to provide commercial-scale solar installations in the region that are specifically designed to employ local workers. The initiative, called “Securing solar for southwest Virginia”, will provide affordable solar solutions for businesses, non-profits and local governments in the regions.

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3D image of new facility

New facilities for Houston ‘staple’

Service Wire Company of Houston has plans to build a new facility, with full manufacturing and distribution capabilities and sales offices. Service Wire’s president, Louis Weisberg, said in a press release: “We’ve been a staple in the region for more than four decades, and our new, modern facility in Generation Park will allow us to continue

to meet the needs of the growing south and southwest. This modern facility will be a launchpad for our next 50 years and beyond.” Generation Park is approximately 13 miles northeast of the company’s current location, with easy access to all of Houston’s major transportation corridors.

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE RUBBER AND PLASTIC COMPOUND SOLUTIONS

WE PROVIDE: » EPR & Polyolefin Compounds • Moisture Crosslinkable • Peroxide Crosslinkable • Irradiation Crosslinkable • Halogen Free, Flame Retardant

• Bedding/Filler • Thermoplastic » Custom Compounding

» Customized Functional Masterbatches » Formulation Design & Development

108 RADO DRIVE NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 / +1 203-723-2590 / WWW.ELECTRICCABLECOMPOUNDS.COM

Ocean Networks and its subsidiary, Submarine Cable Salvage, have secured a multi-year contract to identify, procure and repurpose out of service (OOS) submarine cable systems. The OOS systems will be re-purposed for ocean science to support disaster mitigation and for environmental research. “This contract is a significant milestone for Ocean Networks and Submarine Cable Salvage,” commented chief operating officer David Blau, adding that “…the company will help advance the mission of the ocean science community, and their collective goal to protect the oceans and the people living in coastal areas.”

Repurpose contract

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IWCS 2020 CABLE & CONNECTIVITY SYMPOSIUM October 12–16 & October 19–23 , 2020 | 8 am–1 pm Eastern USA

IWCS As You Know It – Except It’s Online

The IWCS 2020 International Cable & Connectivity Symposium has been re-imagined into an exciting, robust virtual event to reach attendees from all over the world! IWCS 2020 Virtual is our full-scale symposium with all of the traditional IWCS elements: Technical Sessions, Professional Development Courses, Executive Session, Plenary — including Keynote Speaker, and virtual Supplier Exhibition! Online registration is open at www.iwcs.org We have made the conference as interactive as possible because nothing replaces meeting your colleagues in person. You are encouraged to register as early as possible prior to the symposium so that you can explore and familiarize yourself with the virtual platform and set up your Profile in advance to maximize your Networking capability.

IWCS 2020 Virtual Kicks Off on Monday, October 12, 2020!

Keynote

Michael Beesley , VP/CTO of Cisco Systems, Mass-Scale Infrastructure Group

Technology, Architecture and Supply Chain Needs to Drive Success in Our 2025+ Business, Use Case and Competitive Landscape Realities

Executive Session Technical Sessions

Supplier Exhibition Professional Development - 4 Core Courses

Reasons to Attend

As COVID-19 has changed the way we work, educate, and communicate, it is alarmingly clear that telecommunications connectivity is not just essential but critical for the functioning of global society. From telemedicine to commerce to news, awareness, communication, transportation, security, infrastructure, and everything in between, connectivity provides the network that enables modern life to go on. This conference provides: • Latest technologies presented in a symposium format • Over 110 Technical Papers and latest technologies presented via live, interactive webinars • Professional Development Courses with tutorials on basic and emerging technologies • Suppliers Exhibition with the latest developments from industry suppliers • An Executive Session with expert economic and business trends More Reasons to Attend THIS Year • Prolonged Visibility! All Technical Session presentations will be available On-Demand for over a month, through November 27, 2020! • The Supplier Exhibition will be open during the full two weeks, have 2 dedicated days with no competing technical sessions, and be available through November 27, 2020! • It’s convenient! The “live event” is spread out over 2 weeks to make it easier to attend. • The sessions are held from 8:00am to 1:00pm Eastern USA each day, Monday – Friday, October 12th through October 23rd to accommodate as many time zones as possible. • It costs less! The fees are less and there are no travel expenses so more colleagues can participate.

EUROPE NEWS

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Danieli will supply a 180-tonne electric arc furnace, two twin-ladle furnaces, one vacuum degasser and a bloom conticaster, plus a fume-treatment plant as part of the contract

Melt shop and bloom caster contract

OMK (United Metallurgical Company) has contracted Danieli Centro Met to supply a new EAF melt shop and seven-strand bloom caster, to be installed at Vyksa (in the Russian federation). Of its annual steel production, 800,000 tons per year will be cast in blooms for pipes and springs, mainly for the Russian market. Danieli will supply a 180-tonne electric arc furnace, two twin-ladle furnaces, one vacuum degasser and a bloom conticaster, plus a fume-treatment plant. The new EAF will be controlled by the Q-Melt artificial intelligence package for automatic melting process management, as well as a full suite of Danieli automatic

tapping tools including EAF tilting, EBT filling and EBT unclogging and cleaning.

A 15m nominal radius caster will produce billets and blooms, with diameters between 170mm and 455mm. Ancillary equipment includes a FastCast Cube oscillator with Hy-Power Drive, Q-EMS dynamic stirring technology, and Q-Cool air-mist cooling. All equipment will be accompanied by Danieli Automation advanced control systems. The new Vyksa facility will be located near an existing Danieli QSP minimill producing API grades including Arctic steel. Plant startup is scheduled for 2023.

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Second contract secures continuity

Route study progress

The system’s purchasers have awarded Global Marine with the Desk Top Study (DTS) contract for the Singapore India Gateway (SING) cable system. The 9,000km system, with landing points in Singapore and India, will have branches to Thailand, Indonesia and Oman. The desk- based portion of the cable route study has been completed and site visits will begin shortly. Global Marine’s DTS utilizes bathymetry, geology, currents, weather, seismology, tides, permits and reviews of other seabed users to detail all the influences on cable route safety, and to provide engineering solutions for the cable environment. The study also identifies possible sources of risk to the cable and the extent of that risk, including an analysis of faults on existing systems nearby. Bruce Neilson-Watts, MD of Global Marine, said: “We understand the importance of increased and reliable connectivity around the world, something that has been particularly highlighted in recent months. Our in-house knowledge and track record of DTS for systems such as this means we have the flexibility and agility to structure the work around the current economic climate as effectively as possible.”

JDR has agreed a contract with Boskalis to provide the termination and testing of 100 array cables and two offshore substation interconnector cables for the 950MW Moray East offshore wind farm, 22km off the coast of Scotland. The contract is in addition to the supply of the 200km of 66kV array cable, and a range of termination accessories which are currently being manufactured by JDR in Hartlepool, UK. JDR will perform procedures for the stripping of the armor protection, fitment of the permanent hang-offs, routing, cleating, electrical and fiber termination, including testing of the cables. As part of this contract JDR will also carry out damped AC testing of the substation interconnector cables. The termination and testing works are due to start in November 2020 and are expected to continue into mid-2021. The team get ready to start the termination and testing works

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Upgrade completed in “record time”

Berlin network

Photo by Stefan Widua on Unsplash

Vattenfall and Eurofiber have formed a joint venture to provide fiber connectivity across Berlin, Germany. The companies will work together on the construction and operation of the fiber optic infrastructure to connect over 500,000 households and businesses to the super-fast fiber optic network, initially in the center of the city. The network will also provide digital infrastructure for 5G and IoT connectivity, and will be accessible to all broadband operators in an open access and non- discriminatory manner.

Image courtesy of EZDK

A new process automation and control system at the Al Ezz Dekheila Steel Company (EZDK) wire rod mill in Alexandria, Egypt, is said to have delivered improved productivity and system diagnostics, with increased uptime. EZDK approved the completion of a full ABB modernization at the facility after commissioning to achieve rated speed and optimum productivity for all rolled sizes was finalized in a record two weeks. Legacy ABB automation andcontrol systems were completely overhauled, together with engineering, designandfabricationofanew level-1 automation technologies solution, based on the latest ABB Ability™ System 800xA, and other networking systems and drives. ABB also commissioned DSC800-R01/ R02 rebuild kits and a DSC800-R00 upgrade kit for 19 DC stands drives, and provided the latest ACS880 drives for the mill’s Stelmore conveyor application. “We were very impressed by the technical expertise and execution skills that the ABB Metals team displayed throughout this project, and we are already experiencing efficiency improvements thanks to this investment,” said Abd El-Moneim Sewaif, director for EZDK’s long steel division.

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wiredInUSA October 2020

Filing to protect patents

Call for route surveys

Image courtesy of TenneT

Prysmian Group has filed two legal proceedings against a competitor company in the field of telecommunication cables. The group has undertaken intense research and development activities and holds numerous patents in the field of optical cables and related technologies. In order to protect its investment and technology against unauthorized use of its patents, Prysmian has filed patent infringement cases related to the unauthorized use of its European patents EP1668392 B1 and EP 2390700 B1, in Germany. The two complaints were filed before the district court of Munich. The patents relate to telecommunication optical cables, and in particular to a telecommunication optical cable with a highly reduced diameter, and to optical fiber telecommunications cables, specifically bundled cable units containing optical fibers.

Transmission system operator TenneT has issued a contract notice for geophysical and geotechnical surveys of its existing and future offshore power cable routes. The contract will cover the existing power cable routes off the coasts of the Netherlands and Germany, as well as the future cable routes within German waters and the German EEZ. The purpose of the surveys is to gather detailed seabed information to facilitate construction and maintenance strategies, and to provide contractors and authorities with the required information about seabed conditions. The tender is divided into two lots: lot 1 covers surveys in water depths over 10m, while lot 2 covers nearshore surveys in water depths of up to 10m. The duration of the contract will be 36 months, with options for two one-year extensions.

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Leadership change

Cables by barge

NKT is increasing its capacity to transport and store offshore power cables from its factory in Cologne, Germany. Prompted by a positive market outlook and a strong order book, NKT is investing in a new custom-designed barge built for cable transportation on the river Rhine. NKT has also increased capacity at its logistics center in Rotterdam, from where the offshore cables manufactured in Cologne are loaded onto cable-laying vessels. Executive vice president Mika Makela, head of the manufacturing site in Cologne, said: “The investments are driven by a growing demand from the offshore industry and will enhance our delivery security, even in times [of] abnormal weather conditions or with multiple projects being executed in parallel.” The EuroCablePontoon 10022 is powered by green electricity during cable loading at the harbour in Cologne, where the factory is also powered by electricity generated from renewable energy. The barge is designed and built by Neptune Marine, and can operate in very shallow water. NKT expects the barge to be fully operational in late 2020. NKT is investing in a new custom-designed barge built for cable transportation. Photograph courtesy of NKT

Marcello Del Brenna

Raul Gil, of Prysmian, has handed leadership of the Europacable energy infrastructure team to Marcello Del Brenna, also with the Prysmian Group. Raul Gil has led the energy infrastructure team for five years, but has recently taken on new responsibilities as CEO of Prysmian Group Brazil. Marcello Del Brenna has agreed to serve as chairman of the infrastructure team and as UMP chair – a role he has held before. Marcello will also join the Europacable executive board. Mr Del Brennawelcomed theopportunity to rejoin Europacable: “I am delighted to take back a much stronger Energy Team from Raul. Europe’s ambitions to decarbonize and truly interconnect its energy markets offer tremendous opportunities to grow and shape our business. I am convinced that an even more active engagement of our industry through Europacable is vital to secure our future in Europe.”

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ASIA & AFRICA NEWS

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Image courtesy of Sumitomo Wiring System, Ltd

Double harnesses!

During this year, the Japanese-owned automotive wiring harness manufacturer Sumi (Cambodia) Wiring Systems Co Ltd has doubled production to meet demand from overseas markets. Sumi Cambodia is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd, itself part of Tokyo- based Sumitomo Group. The company produces automotive wiring harnesses for export to Japan and currently employs 3,800 people.

Sumi Cambodia has two manufacturing facilities on the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone site. A report from the industrial park operator, Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone Plc, said: “Despite Covid-19, 22,000 people work at PPSEZ today, or 1,000 more than in January. Export value [has] increased 35 percent from January,” though precise figures were not given. PPSEZ is the Kingdom’s second-largest industrial zone.

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wiredInUSA October 2020

Corridor cables

Securing better premises

Borealis and Borouge have announced that crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) power cables made with Borealis Borlink™ extruded high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology will be used for the majority of the German corridor projects. It will be the first use of the Borlink XLPE HVDC at extra-high levels of 525kV. Borealis Borlink XLPE HVDC cables are in use in two of the three new German corridors: in the SuedLink, which has two power cable systems of 2GW each and a route length of over 2,500km; and in the northern stretch of the SuedOstLink corridor, which consists of one 2GW circuit and approximately 500km of cable. Overall, cables based on Borlink will make up a majority of the total corridors project. The German corridor projects are key components in enabling the country to produce sufficient volumes of energy from renewable sources and to transport it over vast distances with minimal losses. Borealis’s Borlink™ technology enables efficient transport of renewable energy over long distances with minimal losses

Through its subsidiary PSM Taiwan, Bulten has signed a lease contract on a manufacturing facility in Taipei. The new location is expected to allow a more efficient and sustainable operation and be a base for further expansion. The current operation of PSM Taiwan will be moved to the new location during the fall of 2020. PSM Taiwan was acquired by Bulten in February 2020 and primarily produces machined, smaller dimension fasteners for both automotive and non-automotive applications. The larger floor space will make it possible to both in-source a portion of the components that are currently purchased from outside suppliers, and to utilize PSM Taiwan to work on production for new contracts.

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Korean cables for Polish plant

A cable-stayed first

Shining a light on Qatar’s first cable-stayed bridge Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has partially opened the country’s first cable-stayed bridge as part of the Sabah Al Ahmad corridor. With a length of 1.2km, the bridge is pillar- less for a distance of 150m. The bridge has 120 supporting cables and 754 precast concrete pieces weighing over 200 tonnes. Twenty columns and 16 piers reach the bridge’s highest point of 30m. Dr Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi, president of Ashghal, said the opening of the first phase of the Sabah Al Ahmad corridor came despite many challenges. Youssef al-Emadi, projects affairs director at Ashghal, described the bridge as a major achievement for the authority.

Nexans Korea has secured a cable supply contract from Hyundai Engineering and Construction(HEC) foranewpetrochemical complex in Poland, under construction on behalf of PDH Polska. The facility is scheduled to start operations in 2023 and will be HEC’s first project in the country. HEC project director SY Park said: “We decided to work with Nexans, not only because of their rich experience in oil and gas applications worldwide, but also their eco-friendly clean cable technology.” Nexans Korea will supply cables for the facility’s power, instrumentation and telecommunications system. Nexans noted that it will be delivering its Hypron cables, developed for refineries and petrochemical applications, as an alternative to lead- sheath cables.

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Kenya’s cable security concerns

Highest density installation

Charles Keter

The new fiber count cable from Furukawa

Kenya Power’s Going Under initiative, which has seen the company install around 600km of underground network in and around Nairobi and other major towns, has failed to protect against vandalism. The total length of underground medium voltage lines (33kV and 11kV) in Nairobi and other major towns is 521km, with 66km of high voltage (66kV) lines. Copper vandals are continuing to target cables, threatening the firm’s efforts to reduce outages and stabilize supply. The government’s Energy Cabinet secretary, Charles Keter, said there are plans to upgrade systems to detect the breaches, given the high cost associated with repairing vandalized copper. “They use very crude methods,” he added: “Including lighting fires ... to cause a blackout, [and] then cutting the wires.” Thecountry’s EnergyAct classifies electrical equipment vandalism as an economic crime, punishable by a minimum fine of Sh5 million (over $40,000) or a minimum jail term of ten years upon conviction.

Furukawa Electric Co Ltd (FEC) deployed a 6,912-fiber-count cable into a 1.25 inch (32mm) conduit at a data center campus in North America. FEC had warned that the high fill ratio is not recommended for outside plant deployments, but the owner of the campus network was willing to assume the risks associated with the deployment in anticipation of the benefits of a high fiber count. The deployment followed an experiment carried out by FEC at its facility in Mie, Japan, where the company installed a 6,912-fiber cable with an outer diameter of 1.14 inches (29mm) in a 696-foot (200m) lconduit with three 90 degree curves andan inner diameter of 32mm. FEC reported that its engineers confirmed a maximum pulling tension of 84lb (372N) which, the company confirmed, is below the maximum pulling tension of 600lb (2700N) specified for the cable. “The FEC 6,912 fiber optic cable at least doubled the fiber count possible in a 1.25 inch conduit,” said Ichiro Kobayashi, general manager of FEC’s optical fiber and cable engineering department.

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New factory ready for production

New Indonesian facility

Inside Suntech’s new Indonesian factory The PV module manufacturer Suntech has announced the opening of its Indonesian factory. The 500MW capacity integrated cell andmodule facility in Batam, the largest city in Riau Islands province, has production lines for 158mm and 166mm wafers or can be altered to accommodate 182mm wafer production when needed. The factory is expected to double its production capacity to 1GW by the end of 2020. The highly automated facilities will produce mono PERC (passivated emitter rear cell) half-cell bifacial modules and 78-cell based large-area modules with at least 450Wp, to cater for the US utility-scale market. The company also plans to service the Indonesian market.

Image courtesy of HBIS Group

A 2,922m 3 blast furnace at Chinese steelmaker Tangshan Iron and Steel Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Hebei Iron and Steel Group, has been successfully fired and entered production at the steel producer’s new factory. In August, the 2,050mm hot rolled coil production line had a successful trial rolling, with commercial production due to begin in September. Bar and wire rod production lines will be put into operation in mid- October. The extensive project included three 2,922m 3 blast furnaces, three 100mt converters, two 200mt converters, and production lines for bar, wire rod, section and hot rolled coil.

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wiredInUSA October 2020

Products, Machines & Technology

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Networking trials After its successful testing of quantum computing technology in Washington DC, Verizon plans to test the technology throughout the US. The quantum key distribution pilot project involved the encryption and delivery of video streams in real time between two locations. As part of the testing, quantum keys were created and exchanged over a fiber network where, Verizon says, hackers can be “instantly detected”. Verizon believes quantum computing technology could make computer systems and data transmission considerably more secure. Modular wiring D&P Custom Lights and Wiring Systems is a provider of modular wiring systems to retailers across North America. The ACLinx modular wiring system features individual pre-wired components that can be configured to meet customers’ specific needs and provide power from floor to ceiling with minimal use of electricians. The simplicity of the ACLinx system allows employees or fixture installers to make quick floor changes, add new power drops to the sales floor, and change electrical layouts

as needed for remodeling or seasonal updates.

The ACLinx system includes splitter modules, in-boundandout-boundpowerconnectors, in-bound and out-bound power whips, and extender cables; all components are easily integrated with other industry-standard components. “We developed ACLinx to provide our customers with maximum flexibility - they can configure multiple layout options for their stores, reducing labor and installation costs for future remodels. Not only that, the cost savings over time can be tremendous,” said D&P president and CEO Bob-O Smith. “Our team will work together with retailers, builders and contractors to assemble a custom-tailored power distribution network to suit their exact needs.” All the connectors in the ACLinx line of productsaredesignedforeaseof installation and safety. Not only are connectors color- coded by application, but unique key- locking patterns prevent misconnects or rotations. Power of three Belden has launched three new product developments for data and power transmission , and for fiber projects with high bandwidth needs.

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wiredInUSA October 2020

preloaded six- and 12-port LC duplex configurations. They include pre-routed 250µm color-coded pigtails for individual fiber splicing, or can be ribbonized for mass fusion splicing. The splice cassettes also include a splice holder and splice protectors for individual fiber splicing. ECX pigtail splice cassettes support greater bandwidth needs and allow for increased fiber deployment inside and between buildings. Ship to shore power The igus e-loop energy supply series has been expanded to suit static applications, including shore power supplies. Shore power offers the provision of electrical power to a ship at berth so that its main and auxiliary engines can be shut down. Stricter guidelines are forcing ports to implement more environmentally friendly technologies

New copper-fiber hybrid cables are designed to reduce installation time by using only a single cable to transmit data and power across long distances, for applications such as passive optical networks (PON) and distributed antenna systems (DAS). The cables can be used in remote locations where standard power is either unavailable or too costly, or where power over ethernet (PoE) cannot reach. Belden’s 14 AWG digital electricity cable can deliver power to applications that, due to distance limitations, are unsupported by PoE and remote DC powering.

Other product line additions include digital electricity cables with a UL listing, an LSZH option, and wet location ratings for indoor/ outdoor cables. For better protection against water in below-grade, in-conduit applications, a water-blocking tape is also available. S S Belden has launched three new product developments for data and power transmission

and the igus e-loop series not only allows a reduction of air pollution and noise, but also minimizes the vibration from vessels while in port. S S The igus e-loop energy supply series has been expanded to suit static applications

Thirdly, Belden’s FiberExpress ECX pigtail splice cassettes are now available in

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The use of 8K endoscopes for medical applications makes it possible to display and clearly view affected areas on large monitors, making it significantly easier to identify capillary blood vessels and nerves. 8K endoscopes also reduce burdens on both medical staff and patients by improving the precision of incisions and suturing and reducing the time required for surgical procedures. The newly developed optical hybrid cable is lighter in weight for easier handling, and offers increased flexibility for easier maneuverability. The compact new cable integrates broadband optical fiber cable, capable of transmitting 8K video signals, with metal electrical wires for power and control, and air tubes for cooling high temperature 8K imaging modules. Low loss fiber BU Multimedia Solutions (MMS) has upgraded its portfolio of Draka single-mode fiber optic network cables with higher bend insensitivity. They allow tight installation radii and are fully compatible with G.652.D fibers. The upgrade is free for customers. Increasing data traffic, 5G and internet of things (IoT) require an increase in transmission capacity and network infrastructure.

igus developed the e-loop as an alternative to the service loop – a product with no defined bend radius and which, in worst- case scenarios, can break. Justin Leonard, a UK director of igus, said: “The e-loop multi-axis energy supply system combines the advantages of a polymer energy chain with a high-strength rope. The rope absorbs the tensile forces inside the chain and transmits them to the mounting brackets. This means that the cables remain completely free of strain. Due to its success, we recently expanded this e-loop series to include a version with crossbars across every second link. It is lightweight and cost- effective, withstands vibrations and shocks, and is specifically developed for static applications such as shore power, enabling energy to be supplied from the mast to the power container. This saves on the fuel that would otherwise be used to power vessels while in port, dramatically reducing air pollution.” Medical development in hybrid cable The OKI Group’s electric cable business, OKI Electric Cable, has developed an optical hybrid cable for use in the world’s first 8K endoscope designed by Air Water Biodesign Inc. In addition to providing flexibility and durability, the cable is 20% lighter than previous products.

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The hybrid cable removes the need for separate power and signal transmission cables, combining both tasks in a single connection cable. This means that with a single cable, an entire train can be completely connected, even across couplers.

Optical networks are adapting to these requirements by increasing their dynamics, offering higher capacities and lower latency. While density is increasing, optical networks are reaching their limits in terms of space. “All of this sees fiber ben ds are becoming more and more likely to occur. Preventing power leakage due to bending effects is, therefore, an increasingly important part of the necessary transition to flexible and reliable fiber optic connectivity,” believes Gerard Pera, product manager optical data cable of MMS, Prysmian Group. MMS is responding to the new requirements by upgrading Dra ka’s single-mode fiber optic cables fromG .652.D fiber to G.657.A1. Compared to the G.652.D fibers previously used, G.657.A1 fibers have a much lower attenuation loss. Pera added: “A G.657.A1 fiber that is insensitive to bending will have an attenuation loss of only 0.2dB when twisted twice around a pencil, whereas a G.652.D fiber loses up to 11dB.”

In addition to applications such as ASDN, FDDI, ATM and cable sharing, the cable can be used to implement high speed applications up to 10GBase-T IEEE. The new cable has an outer diameter of only 18.6mm. It meets the fire protection requirements of DIN EN 45545 and Hazard Level 1-3 (HL1-3) standards, and can withstand extreme mechanical loads up to 10,000 Newton. A black polyurethane outer jacket, made from a halogen-free HFFR compound, covers a red insulation layer. In case of excessive wear, or if the cable jacket becomes damaged, the red colour underneath acts as a warning that the cable should be replaced. S S Hradil Spezialkabel has launched an extremely robust Category 7 hybrid cable for indoor and outdoor applications

Hybrid cable for rail vehicles

Hradil Spezialkabel has launched an extremely robust Category 7 hybrid cable for indoor and outdoor applications which is suitable for trains.

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wiredInUSA October 2020

EDITORIAL Index

ABB AFL

29 16 29 14 13 39 18 34 28 11 41 34 39 27 13 29 36 28 42 35 9

igus JDR

39 28 35 31 24 41 27 34 20 22 24 33 37 37 15 30 29 39 15 9

Al Ezz Dekheila Steel Company

Nexans Korea

Aurora Plastics

NKT

BayWa r.e. USA LLC

Ocean Networks

Belden Boeing

OKI Group

OMK

Borealis and Borouge

Prysmian Group

30, 31

Boskalis

PSM Taiwan

Broad Reach Power BU Multimedia Solutions

Secure Futures

Service Wire Company

Bulten

Southwire

Construction Electrical Products

Submarine Cable Salvage

D&P Custom Lights and Wiring Systems

Sumi (Cambodia) Wiring Systems Co Ltd

Danieli

Suntech

Enable Energy Inc

Tangshan Iron and Steel Co Ltd

Eurofiber

Telia Carrier

Furukawa Electric Co Ltd

TenneT

Global Marine

Vattenfall

Hradil Spezialkabel

Verizon

Hyundai Engineering and Construction

ZenFi Networks

wiredInUSA October 2020

44

ADVERTISING Index

AIM Inc

10 13 11 15

Beta LaserMike (An NDC Technologies Brand)

Clinton Instrument Company

DeWAL

Electrical Cable Compounds Inc

16, 23

IWCS

25 14

Madem

Messe Düsseldorf

7

Nano-Diamond America Inc

12 19

Paramount Die

Sikora

8

Troester

17 21

Windak Group

Zumbach Electronic

2

Marketing: Contact Jason Smith, wiredInUSA, Tel: +44 (0) 1926 834684 Email: jason@wiredinusa.com News: Contact David Bell, Editor, wiredInUSA, Tel: +44 (0) 1926 334137 Email: david@wiredinusa.com

The Professional Publishers Association Member

45

wiredInUSA October 2020

America’s online magazine for wire and cable

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wiredinUSA, EuroWire and Wire & Cable ASIA... The leading magazines for the wire and cable industries Download your 2020 media packs today and benefit from an international coverage

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www.read-tpt.com www.read-eurowire Published in English and Chinese languages

America’s online magazine

international magazine for the wire & cable industries

The magazine Wire & Cable ASIA is published six times each year in both English and Chinese languages. A leading magazine in the Asian market for the wire and cable industries, Wire & Cable ASIA is available in print, CD ROM and online, and its circulation is closely controlled to ensure maximum exposure to professionals within the industry. Distribution With its bilingual issues, Wire & Cable ASIA has a unique and increasing wiredIn USA

The magazine A leading international magazine for the wire and cable industries, EuroWire is printed six times per year and is the only magazine published in six different languages including German, Russian, French, Italian and Spanish.The latest corporate news, technology stories, and regular features covering the production and processing of wire, cable, fibre optics, springs, fasteners and precision parts, all form the mainstay of this highly respected magazine. Distribution EuroWire has an increasing and unrivalled distribution across Europe and the Americas and is THE most important source of information in our industry. Total global distribution: over 18,000 per issue. 2020 EDITORIAL FEATURES JANUARY ■ wire Düsseldorf 2020 – show preview MARCH

2020 DITORIAL FEATURES

NUARY

distribution across Asia and the rest of the world. Total global distribution: over 16,500 per issue.

wire Düsseldorf 2020 – show preview

Europe – 40%

Asia (including China) – 41%

Asia (including China) – 24% ■ wire Düsseldorf 2020 – show issue

Americas – 16%

Rest of the World – 3%

MARCH

*Typicaldistribution

Europe – 46%

*Typicaldistribution

Rest of the World – 3%

(Comprisesprinteddistributionandelectronicdistributionplusbonuscirculationat international tradeshows.Pass-along readership isnot included) Website statistics Based upon a 12-month period (1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019): Total sessions served (unique visitors) 122,419

wire Düsseldorf 2020 – show issue

Americas – 27%

(Comprisesprinteddistributionandelectronicdistributionplusbonuscirculationat international tradeshows.Pass-along readership isnot included) Website statistics Based upon a 12-month period (1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019): Total sessions served (unique visitors) 131,686 MAY ■ Guangzhou – show issue ■ Wire bending, straightening and forming

MAY

■ Wire Expo – show issue ■ Compounds, colourants, masterbatches and additives

Total hits 545,806

Total hits 549,615

UsageanalysisprovidedbyMatrixStats

UsageanalysisprovidedbyMatrixStats

JULY

Contact us EDITOR David Bell Email: david@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 334137

JULY

Contact us EDITOR David Bell Email: david@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 334137

■ Armouring and reinforcing of cables ■ Cutting and weldin

ADVERT MATERIAL & PRODUCTION Liz Hughes

■ What’s new in wire and cable machinery ■ Wire drawing and machinery

ADVERT MATERIAL & PRODUCTION Liz Hughes

Email: liz@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 334137

Email: liz@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 334137

SEPTEMBER

SALES www.read-wca.com

SEPTEMBER www.read-eurowire.com SALES

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UK, ROW, USA, CANADA & S. AMERICA, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND Jason Smith Email: jason@intras.co.uk | Tel: +44 1926 834684

UK, ROW, USA, CANADA & S. AMERICA, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND Jason Smith Email: jason@intras.co.uk | Tel: +44 1926 834684 ■ wire China – show issue ■ Reels, spools and winding

wiredInUSA – the brightest FREE online ezine for the wire and cable is

■ IWCS – show issue ■ wire China – show issue

Europe, As