wiredinUSA May 2019

Malaysian venture

Counterfeit cables

Image: Ta Win Holdings Bhd

Photo by Mikko Jarvenpaa on Unsplash

A multi-agency team working against illicit trade in Kenya has announced that electric cables remain the most counterfeited product inamarket that includes cigarettes, alcohol and petrol. Team coordinator Wanyama Musiambo, said: “Our biggest challenge has been the cables, despite increased operations including destruction of the goods. We will continue with the fight until we wipe them out.” High demand for electric cables has been driven by ongoing electrification projects, the Last Mile connectivity project, and the newly introduced Kenya National Electrification Strategy for those rural areas without transformers and mini-grids.

Copper wire and rod manufacturer Ta Win Holdings Bhd is to be part of a Malaysia- based joint venture to develop cable manufacturing using electron beam technology. Ta Win Holdings has entered an agreement with two individuals, Justin Wong Chee Feeng and Wong Ah Piaw, and with Latitude Technology Sdn Bhd, to create a company to establish and operate the new enterprise. Latitude Technology provides consultancy services relating to electron beam irradiation technology. The firm will produce and commercialize irradiation cross-linked wire and cable products for local automotive and home appliance manufacturers. The company aims to achieve a high profit margin through its implementation of electron beam technology, while also expanding its position in the automotive cable market in Asian countries. Both Justin and Ah Piaw are involved in the wire and cable business in Malaysia. In particular, Wong is experienced in the sales and marketing of copper wire and cables, while Ah Piaw worked with the Malaysian nuclear agency to commercialize electron beam irradiation technology in wire and cable manufacturing. Ta Win will maintain an 80 percent stake in the new firm.

wiredInUSA - May 2019

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