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Italy’s Tratos has been named the supplier for cable for the Ankara-İzmir high-speed railway project, a major infrastructure initiative in Turkey that calls for connecting the capital Ankara to the western port city of İzmir.

A press release said that Tratos is part of a consortium of three companies that are covered by the contract, valued at approximately $2.1 billion. The other two companies are Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie (GCF), a railway construction firm, and SAFET, an Italian engineering company. The three firms will jointly handle the construction of the line, which spans about 503 km and is designed for speeds up to 250 km/h. The stretch will include 39 tunnels and 66 bridges. Once completed, the Ankara-İzmir high-speed rail will reduce travel time between the two cities from over 14 hours to about 3.5 hours.

Through its U.K. subsidiary, Tratos UK, the company will manufacture a wide range of cable solutions including: medium and high voltage cables for connecting substations and switchgear; data and telecom cables, both copper and fiber optic; signaling power and control cables for connections between trackside equipment and control centers; track feeder cables for power distribution along the rail line; and pantograph and rolling stock cables for onboard train systems.

Tratos is recognized for its expertise in fire-resistant and theft-deterrent cable technologies. It has previously supplied cables for Italy’s Frecciarossa high-speed trains and has developed advanced solutions such as an alarmed cable that uses a fiber to trigger an alarm and locate the cut, improving response times.

In early June 2025, India’s Suprajit Engineering Limited (Suprajit) completed the last step in its 2024 complicated acquisition of Germany’s Stahlschmidt Cable Systems (SCS), finalizing the purchase of its operations in China and Canada.

Per a press release and multiple media reports, that final step completes the global acquisition process of SCS out of insolvency proceedings in Germany. The process was executed in two stages across five countries: Germany, Poland, Morocco, China and Canada. It included asset and equity purchases and the creation of Suprajit subsidiaries.

SCS specializes in control cable systems, and Suprajit said that its acquisition will strengthen “its position in the global market and supports its growth strategy outside India.” It will also help cross-sell Suprajit products.

A writeup from Sharekhan described how SCS ran into financial problems. “SCS ... succumbed mainly due to pricing pressure and its endeavor to relocate manufacturing operations from Germany to Morocco, Poland, Canada and China, to cut costs.” That did not work out, and added problems related to the Covid period led to its situation.

SCS was described as having low-cost manufacturing capabilities in Morocco, a strong German engineering and sales team, “and a path of China exports through Canada.” At the time the acquisition was announced, Surprajit founder and Chairman Ajith Rai said that “SCS will add $50 million in revenue and form a key part of our global supply chain.”

Per reports, the Poland relocation is complete, and operations, with some key employees kept to support Morocco. SCS’s headquarters in Germany had a reduction in its workforce but is now an integral part of Suprajit.

The acquisition was made through Suprajit USA Inc., which set up Suprajit Canada Ltd. Suprajit Germany GmbH was also created to consummate the transaction.

South Korea’s LS Cable has signed a Preferred Supplier Agreement (PSA) with Haesong Offshore Wind Co. (HOWC) for the Haesong Offshore Wind 3 project, which is located off the southwest coast of Korea, near Shinan County, Jeonnam Province.

Per postings by HOWC, a business of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, the Haesong 3 project—also referred to as Jeonnam 3—is part of combined 800 MW expansion (Jeonnam 2 and 3). It will include both inter-array and export cables. The exact amount was not specified, but reports said that it is likely to require 200 km or more of cable. The collective projects support South Korea’s goal of reaching 14.3 GW of offshore wind by 2030.

The PSA follows the recent completion of Haesong 1/Jeonnam 1), a 96 MW system that required an estimated 50 km of inter-array cable and 10-20 km of export cable, LS Cable supplied and installed the submarine cables.

The projects are part of a major offshore wind development effort led by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and local partners. Jeonnam 1 was described as the first offshore wind farm in Korea led by the private sector. This agreement “establishes a framework for continued discussions on the design, manufacturing, and procurement of subsea cables, paving the way for future collaboration.”

Mega Metal, a Turkish copper wire manufacturer that was among the returning exhibitors at Interwire 2025, is opening a cable plant in Ridgeway, South Carolina.

Mega Metal is entering the North American market with a $34 million investment in a new production facility in Ridgeway, South Carolina. The company will retrofit a 91,000-sq-ft building to produce superfine electrolytic oxygen-free (EOF) copper wire—an essential component for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to medical and defense.

The Ridgeway plant marks Mega Metal’s first U.S. operation and is expected to create 135 new jobs in Fairfield County. Once fully operational, the plant will have an annual capacity of 55 million pounds of copper wire. Operations are slated to begin in September 2025.

Founded in 2004 and based in Istanbul, Mega Metal employs more than 700 people worldwide and exports to over 30 countries. The company is recognized as one of Turkey’s top 500 industrial enterprises and has earned accolades such as “Supplier of the Year” from international customers. Its expansion into South Carolina is part of a broader strategy to enhance its global footprint and provide logistical advantages to clients in critical industries.

“This investment in Fairfield County is not only a manufacturing milestone—it is a reflection of our long-term commitment to the North American market,” said Cuneyt Turgut, board chairman of Mega Metal Inc. “Mega Metal is poised to become a key player in the U.S. supply chain, offering strategic support to high-demand industries across the continent.”

The company reported online that it had good interaction with attendees at Interwire 2025. “The meaningful conversations and connections we made throughout the event have not only opened doors to new collaborations but also reaffirmed that we are on the right path.

Prysmian held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 19 at the Encore Wire campus in McKinney, Texas, which will undergo a massive expansion, part of a $500 million project over five years that will see the addition of a state-of-the-art medium voltage cable production facility totaling more than 650,000 sq ft.

A press release said that the investment includes $249 million Prysmian’s Board of Directors approved earlier this year. The groundbreaking “marks a significant advancement for the company, nearly a year after Prysmian’s acquisition of Encore Wire to serve electrical customers in North America through Encore’s outstanding service model.” Expected online in 2027, the plant will significantly increase Prysmian’s medium voltage capacity and add 120 new jobs.

“This new plant will be one of the largest standalone facilities on our campus, which is the largest vertically integrated cable factory on the planet and is a major milestone in the Prysmian/Encore Wire growth,” said Prysmian North America CEO Andrea Pirondini.

Encore Wire started in 1989 with a 68,000 sq-ft industrial warehouse building in McKinney. Over the past 35 years, Encore has grown to over 3.5 million sq ft across 460 acres.

In addition to Prysmian leaders, U. S. Representative Keith Self’s District Director Michelle Bishop presented a Congressional certificate to Pirondini marking the importance of this investment. Governor Greg Abbott also issued a proclamation commemorating the groundbreaking. McKinney’s new Mayor Bill Cox joined other local leaders for the ceremony, including the Michael Kowski from McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Guests signed a commemorative beam that will be placed in a prominent location in the new facility. The medium voltage plant is the first phase of Prysmian’s investments in McKinney. For more on the vertically integrated campus, visit Encore Wire’s website.

ArcelorMittal’s decision to permanently close its Hamilton, Ontario wire plant and consolidate wire drawing operations in Montreal marks a significant moment for Canada’s wire industry, with ripple effects across the broader steel sector. The closure, announced in June, will eliminate 153 jobs and end wire production at a facility that has served telecommunications, construction and automotive markets for decades.

While the move was described as being part of a restructuring to improve operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness, multiple media reports observed that it also underscored the unique pressures facing Canada’s wire segment, a sector that is distinct from “big steel” in both scale and market dynamics.

Of note, the decision comes on the heels of the U.S. doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, a move that industry leaders and union officials alike say has accelerated job losses and squeezed margins. ArcelorMittal’s CEO, Stéphane Brochu, cited the need to “strengthen competitiveness and ensure better long-term profitability” as a driving factor, while union leaders described the closure as a “horrible day” for the workforce, many of whom learned of the news as they arrived for their shifts.

One industry observer, Murat Askin, principal at Staalx, a steel industry consultancy, observed that the Canadian steel industry is very much reliant on the U.S. market. “This includes wire and wire rod producers. Both Arcelor and Ivaco have announced job cuts and production reductions. So far, however, wire rod mills haven’t announced any dramatic plant closures. Canadian wire rod producers are prime suppliers for the cold heading quality wire rods that are mostly used in automotive applications. It’s difficult to move the supply to another international supplier that is not approved by automotive customers. Therefore, Canadian mills continue to ship to the U.S. with reduced quantities. The conditions, however, are not sustainable as no mill operates efficiently at half capacity.”

Unlike large integrated steel plants, wire mills are more exposed to market volatility and less able to absorb the shocks of tariffs and dumping. The Hamilton plant reportedly lost $2.6 million annually over the last five years, a figure attributed to both global price competition and declining demand.

Askin points out that “help may be on the way,” with Canada and Mexico in talks with the U.S. about potential trade remedies, including lowering tariffs or implementing a quota system. However, for Hamilton’s wire workers, these solutions may come too late.

Local officials, including Hamilton’s mayor, have called for urgent federal action, warning that the loss of specialized wire production capacity could have long-term consequences for both the city and Canada’s manufacturing supply chains.

LS Cable & System Ltd., South Korea’s largest cable manufacturer, announced that its subsidiary, LS Marine Solution Co. (LS Marine), has won a US$15.8 million contract to install submarine power cables for Taiwan Power Company’s (TPC) offshore wind power plant.

A press release said that LS Marine Solution will install the submarine cables for the TPC Offshore Wind Power Complex 2, a 294.5 MW project, by May 2026. The order represents the first overseas submarine power cable deal for LS Marine.

LS Marine Solution was established in 1995 as South Korea’s first dedicated submarine cable construction company. Formerly known as KT Submarine, it was acquired and rebranded by LS Cable & System in 2023.

LS Cable & System has previously supplied ultra-high-voltage submarine cables for Taiwan’s first phase offshore wind projects—including the one cited above—and the new contract is expected to create synergies between cable manufacturing and installation. The current project is part of the Taiwanese government’s long-term plan to develop 20.6 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035.

“Based on our technology and experience accumulated as the first-generation submarine cable construction company in Korea, we have successfully taken our first step into the overseas power grid market,” said LS Marine Solution CEO Kim Byung-ok. “We will further expand our entry into the global market with this Taiwan project.”

The LS Group and LIG Group—both part of South Korea’s influential Pan-LG family of conglomerates— have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation across defense, energy, and advanced technology sectors.

A press release said that the agreement, announced March 31, follows a high-profile gathering of Pan-LG leaders at GS Group’s 20th anniversary, underscoring a renewed spirit of unity among the country’s leading business families.

Under the MoU, LS and LIG will collaborate on joint R&D, market analysis, technology and personnel exchanges, and may establish joint ventures to leverage each group’s core strengths. The LS Group, known for its focus on electrics, materials and energy, will bring expertise from subsidiaries such as LS Cable & System and LS Mtron. The LIG Group, whose portfolio includes defense equipment and IT services, is expected to integrate LS’s material and cable technologies into its flagship defense unit, LIG Nex1, which specializes in advanced weapon and command systems.

A joint consultative body will be formed to define detailed cooperation plans and set an execution timeline. The partnership is widely viewed as a strategic move, especially as LS Group faces heightened competition and legal disputes in the cable sector. Recently, Hoban Group, parent of rival Taihan Cable & Solution, acquired a 3% stake in LS Corp., fueling speculation about its intentions amid an ongoing patent and technology theft dispute between Taihan and LS Cable & System.

More than a year after an expected production order, the Great Sea Interconnector—a project to link the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel—has seen little progress as it deals with unresolved financial arrangements and deposit guarantees, casting uncertainty over its future viability.

A recent article in Vima, a Greek newspaper, spelled out the problems encountered by the project that trace back to mid-2023 when the original developer sought a financing increase to €1.9 billion from Greek and Cypriot regulators due to cost overruns. Although a long-delayed contract with French cable manufacturer Nexans was signed for the Crete-Cyprus segment, EuroAsia Interconnector soon declared it could not make the required advance payment, further jeopardizing progress.

To prevent collapse, the Greek and Cypriot governments intervened, asking Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) to assume responsibility for the project. The European Commission endorsed this move, expressing confidence in IPTO’s ability to deliver. By October 2023, IPTO was officially in charge, and the project-renamed the Great Sea Interconnector-finally entered the implementation phase after thirteen years of planning.

Despite this momentum, significant challenges persisted through 2024. Construction of the first phase began in December 2023, with Nexans instructed to secure production slots and initiate procedures. However, in July 2024, the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority issued a ruling that upended the project’s financial framework by rejecting recognition of a reasonable return, revenue, or cost recovery during construction. This decision severely undermined the project’s economic viability.

Compounding the situation, the Cypriot government did not fulfill its commitment to acquire a stake in the project, despite earlier assurances that a decision would be made by January 2024. After months of negotiations, Greece and Cyprus signed a bilateral

agreement in September 2024 to accelerate the project, overturning the July regulatory decisions and providing a more sustainable foundation for development.

Japan’s NTT World Engineering Marine Corp. (NTT WE Marine), the submarine cable laying subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT), has launched a new CLV that is registered under the Philippine flag and operated primarily by Filipino crew members.

A press release said that NTT WE Marine, marking its 25th year in the Philippines, launched the CS VEGA II, a state-of-the-art cable-laying vessel. NTT notes that it is the only cable provider that has a fully equipped, Philippine-flagged cable-laying vessel.

The new CLV, is primarily intended to be operated for the maintenance of domestic submarine telecommunications cables within the Philippines, as well as international submarine telecommunications cables in nearby waters. It joins a fleet that includes four other CVLs: Vega, Orion, Subaru and Kizuna. The vessels are used for a range of tasks including submarine cable installation, maintenance, ocean investigation, construction, repair work and marine surveys.

NTT WE Marine is a key participant in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), a 2,500-km initiative led by Eastern Communications, Globe Telecom and InfiniVAN, aimed at improving connectivity in underserved regions. It also will be a maintenance supplier for PDSCN, which was said to be in its final project stages. The

network’s subsea (wet) segments were finished as scheduled in 2023, and about 90% of its 33 planned cable landing stations have been constructed. The remaining landing stations and some inland facility connections are expected to be completed within this year.

NTT WE Marine President & CEO Mamoru Watanabe said that the Philippines project has a pivotal telecom role. He also cited global security concerns and the need for stable communications infrastructure as key drivers for the expansion. “Economic development’s foundation is communication. There’s a lot of opportunity in the Philippines, especially now that global security is unstable,” he said.

Earlier this year, Adani Group, one of India’s largest and fastest-growing cement manufacturers, announced plans to enter the wires and cables industry through a newly formed joint venture.

On March 19, 2025, Adani Enterprises, via its wholly owned subsidiary Kutch Copper Limited, finalized the incorporation of Praneetha Ecocables Limited in partnership with Praneetha Ventures Private Limited. The joint venture will focus on the manufacturing,

marketing, and distribution of metal products, cables and wires, marking a significant diversification for the conglomerate.

A company statement said that the initiative is part of Adani’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence across the infrastructure and construction value chain. By leveraging the group’s extensive experience in large-scale manufacturing and its ongoing investment in India’s largest greenfield copper refinery in Gujarat, Adani aims to secure reliable raw material supply and competitive pricing for its cable business. The company expects this vertical integration to provide a unique advantage as it enters a market that has seen a compound annual growth rate of over 13% in recent years.

The new venture will target key sectors such as residential, commercial, infrastructure and industrial applications, reflecting the rising demand for high-quality cables and wires driven by India’s urbanization, smart city projects, and renewable energy expansion.

Adani Group’s leadership emphasized that this entry aligns with its long-term vision to be a leading provider of integrated solutions for India’s rapidly growing construction and infrastructure sectors. The company’s board has approved the plan, signaling its intention to diversify its portfolio and capitalize on synergies with its existing copper and infrastructure businesses.

M. Huber Corporation announced that it has acquired the alumina trihydrate (ATH), antimony-free flame retardant and molybdate-based smoke suppressant assets of The R.J. Marshall Company.

A press release said that the deal will see the acquired assets incorporated into the Huber Advanced Materials (HAM) strategic business unit of Huber Engineered Materials, an operating company of J.M. Huber Corporation. These assets will enhance HAM’s product portfolio and strengthen its position as a leader in the North American market of flame retardant and smoke suppressant technologies.

The acquisition includes R.J. Marshall’s alumina trihydrate and Marshall additive technologies product lines (excluding those containing antimony trioxide). HAM will integrate these products into its existing portfolio, providing customers with a seamless transition and continued access to the materials they rely on. “This acquisition underlines HAM’s strategic commitment to grow our halogen-free fire retardant and smoke suppressant portfolio and expand our product offering for our customers,” said HAM Global Vice President Sales & Marketing Martin Schulting.

HAM, known for its focus on sustainability and innovation in specialty additives, continues to invest in expanding its environmentally responsible product range. The company has recently achieved significant milestones in life cycle analysis and is recognized for advancing halogen-free solutions for industrial applications.

Last modified on June 3, 2025

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