The latest news from EuroWire Magazine en-gb 40 >Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT MARKETS demand new technologies that are as fast and flexible as possible. Ernst Koch will provide solutions today for the challenges of tomorrow. Wire plays an important role in industry. It is present in the reliable production of mobility, in strong connections for architecture, and in highly sensitive medical applications. Ernst Koch manufactures wire drawing and cold rolling systems for the iron and steel wire industry, which is able to build its own machinery. As a system supplier, it can plan, supply and install complete machine lines for the production of wire – lines that are designed for particular tasks and implemented with all the components needed. The company’s consultancy, products and services have been of a high standard for more than 90 years. Customers in more than 60 countries value this long experience and its pioneering technological capabilities. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php >Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT FOERSTER has expanded into new business sectors after completing the takeover of NDT Systems GmbH. The company completed the deal and the continuation of all business operations after both companies signed the agreement at the end of August. Foerster, based in Reutlingen, Germany, is a medium-sized company in the field of non-destructive testing of materials. It has been active in the development, production and sale of equipment for testing bars, tubes and wires for more than 60 years. With the takeover of NDT Systems, it now has a product range that fits well into the current organisation with regards to sales, project planning and service, and technologically complementing the existing range of products. Counting ten international sales and service subsidiaries as well as representatives in over 60 countries, the group can continue to offer optimum customer support. The combination of the two methods – NDT Systems‘ ultrasonics and Foerster’s eddy current – for quality testing in railroad track production, has been successfully applied in many testing lines around the world. President Felix Förster is convinced that the two companies will complement and therefore give additional value to customers in different testing applications. With its 330 employees in Reutlingen and 560 employees worldwide, Forester generates €110 million per year in group revenue. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT TRAFCO has recently completed the purchase of Cortinovis Sictra. The new company’s head office, as well as cable machine production workshop and assembly hall, will be based in northern Italy. The deal maintains Trafco’s long experience in refurbishment of used machines and its trade activities, as well as the review and improvement of clients’ machinery. With both companies being in the copper sector and with experience in rolling processes, drawing of non-ferrous materials and processes for cable production, the merger will allow the new company an advantage in terms of technology, the design and construction of all types of machines and installations for the production of wire, cable and rope. The range of products will include: • Wire drawing lines: Complete twin rod breakdown line, controlled slip rod breakdown line, evolutionary multi-wire drawing line for plain and tinned copper wires, twin intermediate wire drawing line, intermediate single wire drawing line, drawing line for trolley wire • Accessories: Spoolers, down coilers • Cable production range for ferrous materials: Double twist strander for the steel industry, PC wire line, PC strand line, steel ropes machinery • Cable production range for non-ferrous materials: Central tube strander, double twist bunching, stranding and laying up machines, drum twister, rigid stranding machine, rigid cage screening machine, monotorsion/conotorsion wire armouring, screening and laying up machine, mono-bitorsion strander • Cable production range for ferrous/non-ferrous materials: Bow type laying up and stranding machine, tubular strander, planetary machine • Extrusion lines: Double and triple coextrusion, triple coextrusion for medium tension, vertical and horizontal extruders • Accessories: Automatic coiling lines, rewinding lines, drawing dies laboratory, and a complete range of spare parts, drawing dies and accessories. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Wed, 03 Sept 2014 16:00:00 GMT Integer Research, UK, is staging the third Advanced Cable Asia conference from 2nd to 4th December in Shanghai, China. Asia’s economic situation remains robust, with moderate growth forecast to continue in China and India and a stable outlook across the Southeast Asian region. As the region’s largest economy, China makes up a quarter of the global wire and cable demand and continues to have the largest cable production market in the world. On-going projects such as the ‘West–East Electricity Transfer’ and the expanding high-voltage power grid network have been driving a growth in demand for advanced power cables, while high-end fibre optic cables are increasingly required for the ’12th Five Year’ projects like ‘Broadband China’ and IT data centre infrastructure. However, Integer Research has lowered its projection for growth in Chinese wire and cable demand slightly to 3.5 per cent year-on-year between 2013 and 2018, which reflects the Chinese government’s policy on market consolidation and sustainable growth. It is believed that the Chinese wire and cable market will need to have a new round of market reshuffling in the next few years in order to clean up the overcapacity and poor quality production. To survive and stand out in this extremely competitive market place, many Chinese wire and cable producers recognise the need to implement more effective strategies to differentiate and standout, including expansion into high-skilled sectors, stricter quality control schemes, and advanced automation of manufacturing processes. The South-East Asia market, as a whole, is expected to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, but the situation does vary country by country. Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are leading the way, while opportunities are also being seen in Myanmar, the Philippines and Singapore. Indonesia and Thailand, in particular, have been making large-scale investment into the sophisticated power transmission and telecommunication network infrastructure, which will trigger a huge demand for advanced power cables, telecom cables and fibre optic products. The forecast for production from Integer Research has indicated 6.5 per cent compound annual growth rate in both Indonesia and Thailand by 2018. It is vital for any cable industry stakeholders to plan in advance for these emerging opportunities. More developed markets such as Japan and South Korea are experiencing a recovery to their pre-crisis levels. In the year 2013/2014, Japan consumed over 700k tons of copper for the wire and cable industry and the market almost levelled out. The major challenge for market players there is to understand the fragmentation of both the global and Asian wire and cable markets and to maintain their leading positions in the industry. Advanced Cable Asia 2014 conference will provide the one-stop knowledge-sharing and networking platform for both global and Asian wire and cable executives to discuss the strategies and technologies needed to succeed in the advanced cable markets. The dedicated streams in advanced power cable and fibre optic sectors will identify the key market developments and growth areas for the wire and cable manufacturers, while uncovering the potential opportunities and technology-related demand for suppliers and solution providers. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php >Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:00:00 GMT Prysmian Group has been awarded a new major order for approximately €80m for power transmission system expansion projects by Kahramaa, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation. The contract comprises engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning services for extra high voltage underground cable systems for a total of 173km of 220kV cable and related network components, as part of the stage 2 of Phase XI of the Qatar Power Transmission System Expansion project aimed at strengthening the main transmission networks and at securing power supplies to the industrial and residential sectors. The upgrade includes also replacement of an overhead line with an underground cable system.
The project will be implemented by the group’s established offices in Qatar, using production from Gron (France) and Livorno (Italy). Installation of the first circuits will start in 2014 and the scheduled completion date is during 2016.

 “This award reflects Kahramaa’s trust in Prysmian’s capabilities to meet the increasing needs for the development of new power grids in Qatar and this strategic region,” said Antonio Chiantore, general manager for Prysmian Group in the Middle East. “We have already supplied and installed other sections within the Kahramaa power transmission grid in Qatar and we are very happy to undertake this new project.” In addition to providing further confirmation of the validity of the group’s know-how and technologies for application in underground power transmission, this new project also underlines Prysmian’s leadership role in a strategic region like the Middle East, where the group can rely on a number of projects completed or currently ongoing including the first-ever submarine power transmission link serving Doha, the GCC Saudi-Bahrain submarine interconnection and the 400kV power transmission system for Transco connecting the Bahia and Saadiyat Grid Stations in Abu Dhabi. More recently the group has also been awarded a contract for the interconnection of the Zakum offshore oil field in Abu Dhabi. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:00:00 GMT In July 2013 the St Gallen University of Applied Sciences (FHS) opened its new University Centre by the main station. The university’s teaching, RESEARCH and services are enjoying the benefits of the new building, not least the cutting edge technology, including a high-performance Class FA communications network from Datwyler. “My experience over the past 25 years has always been that a good foundation is essential for long service life”, said Harald Pintarelli, building technology facility services at FHS. “With a view to the defined life cycle, which is between 25 and 30 years for the whole building, and a high level of INVESTMENT protection, the Cantonal Building Department invited tenders for a Class FA universal communications cabling system providing a standardised bandwidth of 1000 megahertz.” A solution from Datwyler Cabling Solutions was selected. On the floors this comprises symmetrical type CU 7150 4P copper data cable and type PS-GG45 connectors. Cables and connecting technology conform to Category 7A up to 1000 megahertz. They even support a maximum bandwidth of 1500 MHz, so provide extremely high reserve capacity for multimedia and future applications beyond 10 gigabit Ethernet. Between January and December 2012 the telematics specialists at Huber+Monsch AG in St Gallen installed around 125 kilometres of Datwyler copper data cable and 4,400 modules. For the backbone into the data centre the installers used approximately four kilometres of type FO Universal OM3 fibre optic cable with 24 and 48 fibres. Datwyler also supplied a variety of FIRE SAFETY cables, for example for the power supply to the smoke and heat extraction system and the fire service lift. The new communications network, which has been in operation since January 2013, not only provides the FHS with secure high-speed data transmission, but also incorporates the IP telephones, audio systems, VIDEO beamers and WLAN. The WLAN access points take the power they need via the data cables (PoE, Power over Ethernet). “The high quality specifications were all met“, added Harald Pintarelli. “This applies to the materials used as well as to the careful routing, connection and measurement. In this respect the new network has been running without a single hitch right from the start.” http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:00:00 GMT Repsol’s Chemicals Division has entered into an agreement to license Chevron Phillips Chemical’s proprietary technology for production of metallocene-based polyethylene resins. Repsol will be implementing this technology in its existing integrated site in Tarragona, Spain, which already uses Chevron Phillips Chemical MarTECH™ SL Loop Slurry Technology. “We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Repsol and to provide them with world-class technology to help optimise their polyethylene product portfolio,” said Pawan Bassi, global director of licensing for Chevron Phillips Chemical. “We are very proud to be Chevron Phillips Chemical’s first licensee to implement their innovative and differentiated technology to produce metallocene-based polyethylene resins, complementing our high performance portfolio for film and packaging solutions,” said Esteban Gimeno, polyolefins BUSINESS director for Repsol’s Chemicals Division. Chevron Phillips Chemical’s technology for the production of metallocene polyethylene allows Repsol to increase its product portfolio and gives it the opportunity to offer higher-value end-products ensuring its line of product differentiation and specialties. With this agreement the company continues to invest in Europe proving commitment to its polyethylene customers. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:00:00 GMT Haefely Hipotronics, a full-line manufacturer of high voltage test equipment and measurement instrumentation, has launched a new EMC Testing “How-To” video – featuring the AXOS Series of expandable conducted immunity test systems. The video takes viewers behind-the-scenes with a Haefely industry expert to demonstrate a live surge combination wave test in standard and pre-compliance modes of operation. In addition to training users on how to safely set up and operate the AXOS8, the “How-To” video reviews its complete range of capabilities – including surge combination wave, ring wave, EFT/burst, telecom wave, AC/DC voltage dips and interrupts and pulsed magnetic field. The video is now available on the company’s website and YouTube channel. The series: • Gives intuitive, step-by-step instruction on operation • Answers commonly asked questions • Explains best practices and techniques to users http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:00:00 GMT Specialist European cable manufacturer Tratos has launched a new website – www.reelingcables.com –dedicated to its Tratosflex reeling cables. Tratos is a long-standing manufacturer and supplier of reeling cables for moving applications, supplying power, control and signalling functions. Its best selling Tratosflex ESDB cables feature a unique internal cable design, with the structure tightened against the internal relative movement. This prevents the cable from twisting and leading to possible breakage – extremely dangerous when reeling at speeds up to 300m/m. The cables have been designed to be highly durable, operating in temperatures from -60ºC to +90ºC. The new www.reelingcables.com from Tratos details the Tratosflex ESDB cable range, providing the option to download the latest product catalogue and view a range of case studies featuring Tratosflex in action around the world. Recent applications include London Gateway, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and Busan Port terminal in Korea. Tratos supplied Tratosflex-ESDB cable for use in 32 ZPMC high-speed cranes in the latter, which is the company’s largest order for this cable and is believed to be the biggest single order in the world to date for crane reeling cable. In addition to the design, manufacture and supply of product, Tratos also offers a full engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) service with comprehensive after sales support provision. This ‘added value’ service, detailed on the new website, is available to Tratos customers worldwide. As an EPC company, Tratos is able to carry out the detailed engineering design of a project, procure all the equipment and materials necessary, and then construct the application to deliver a functioning asset to clients, with a full after-sales support service following its completion. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:00:00 GMT In response to increasing global distribution of counterfeit cable products, BICSI president Jerry Bowman presented on research and activities of the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) in fighting counterfeiting and substandard cabling. At Europol’s Awareness and Knowledge Building Conference in Spain, he was joined by speakers from the European Union, world law enforcement and customs officials such as Europol, Interpol, and World Customs Organization, as well as private sector experts from major household, industry and automotive brands. READ MORE... http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:00:00 GMT Russian telecommunications company MegaFon has launched a terrestrial fibre optic cable route connecting Europe and Asia. Built in partnership with Kazakhtelecom and Interoute, the Diverse Route for European and Asian Markets (DREAM) extends 8,700km from Frankfurt to Kazakhstan’s border with China. It passes along a route, partly selected for low seismic activity, through Austria, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. READ MORE... http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Wed, 08 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMT Southwire has agreed a deal worth $786m to buy Coleman Cable Inc. Coleman will be acquired by Southwire for $26.25 in cash a share – a premium of about 16.6 per cent to its price 29th October, the last trading day before media reports arose of a possible transaction. The deal includes the assumption of $294 million in debt. "Coleman's exceptional engineering capabilities across multiple end markets and stellar reputation among customers make it an ideal fit with Southwire,” said Stuart Thorn, president and CEO of Carrollton, Georgia-based Southwire. The deal “delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders and supports a strong future for Coleman," Gary Yetman, president and CEO of Coleman, said in the statement. "By partnering with Southwire, Coleman will benefit from Southwire's extraordinary track record of operational success as we continue to execute on our mission of expanding product offerings and sales and exceeding the expectations of our diverse and growing customer base.” After the deal closes, Southwire will take on Coleman's management team and “expects to maintain a significant presence in Waukegan,” the companies said. Coleman had $914.6m in revenue in 2012. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Wed, 08 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMT It is just five months before the wire and cable industry head to Germany for wire Düsseldorf 2014, and many companies are already thinking ahead to the largest exhibition in the industry calendar. Friedrich-Georg Kehrer, director of both exhibitions for organisers Messe Düsseldorf, gave a frank interview looking forward to both wire and Tube exhibitions, which run from 7th to 11th April. Click here to read the interview >> http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Wed, 08 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMT Representatives from Texas Tech University, Sandia Labs and ?Vestas gathered together for the (Scaled Wind Farm Technology) Commissioning Ceremony in Texas, USA, at which Vestas presented a V27-300 kW turbine for research purposes. SWiFT is the first public facility of its kind to investigate wind turbine performance using multiple machines. Click here for more details http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php Mon, 23 Dec 2013 12:00:00 GMT After 20 years as chief executive of the Niehoff group, Heinz Rockenhäuser retired at the end of October. Under the leadership of Heinz Rockenhäuser, Niehoff considerably expanded its market share and also set up branches and subsidiaries in several countries. During his time as CEO Niehoff expanded its product portfolio while the number of employees in the group worldwide increased from around 500 to 720. The company also built a new factory at the company´s headquarters in Schwabach, with the first part of the plant inaugurated in 2010. Turnover also increased from €50m to €125, consolidated in the whole Niehoff group to €150m. Heinz Rockenhäuser´s successor is Arnd Kulaczewski, previously managing director (CEO) of the press builder Schuler SMG in Waghäusel, Germany. http://www.read-eurowire.com/news.php