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Alloy Wire International targets Turkish growth with new international agent deal

May 12, 2021 – Alloy Wire International (AWI), a specialist producer of round and profile wire, straight bars and wire rope in ‘High Performance’ nickel alloys, has appointed Gürfil San.Ve Elek.Cih.Paz.A.S to help it grow its Turkish business by 20% over the next twelve months.

Angus Hogarth, Director of R&D at AWI, commented: “We are now supplying our wire into more than 60 countries worldwide and this is only possible thanks to the network of Sales Representatives we have developed around the globe.

“Orders to Turkey have enjoyed consistent growth over the last two years and we are now in a position to invest in a local agent that will give us an even stronger presence in the area. Yusuf Gunes’ knowledge and business experience will open up new contacts for us, as well as meeting the requirements of existing customers.”

He continued: “You can’t beat having that country specific knowledge for understanding how the market will react to changes, new trends that are developing and where opportunities may exist.”

Yusuf Gunes went on to add: “I’m looking forward to travelling in Turkey and meeting with AWI’s customers to find out how we may further help with their wire needs in ‘Exotic’ alloys such as Inconel, Nimonic, Hastelloy, Monel, MP35N, Phynox and Waspaloy.

“They are already used by manufacturers of springs, fasteners and mesh for example, with these materials often used because of their excellent performance in high temperature or very corrosive environments.

“AWI has a very good reputation in Turkey and customers are switching on to its ability to make small order quantities in short 3 week lead times and in such a wide size range, starting from 0.025mm to 21mm. Our technical expertise will also be crucial when discussing product application or a wire specification.”

Alloy Wire International currently supplies in excess of 5000 customers involved in automotive, aerospace, defence, medical, nuclear, oil and gas and renewables.

A 60-strong range of exotic alloys, including Phynox, Inconel and Hastelloy, is available from 0.025mm (.001”) to 21mm (.827”) in small batches or medium/large volume – all within a three-week timeframe.

Strong demand has come from the Far East, Eastern Europe and Australia, with new international sales agents also appointed in Russia and Singapore to explore new opportunities.

For further information, please visit www.alloywire.com or follow Alloy Wire International on LinkedIn. Yusuf can be reached on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Last modified on May 12, 2021

Prysmian Group bets on diversity & inclusion to enhance its “human capital”

May 12, 2021 – Prysmian Group strengthens its commitment to Diversity & Inclusion with the aim of further enhancing its human capital made up of around 28,000 employees worldwide. The increase in the percentage of women, both among white-collar workers and at the level of top managers, is among the sustainability parameters to which the payment of the company managers’ variable remuneration has been linked.

As evidence of the strategic importance of gender and cultural diversity, Prysmian has also set up a new global Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee, tasked with overseeing the achievement of the objectives that the Group has set itself. The Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee has the responsibility to define D&I objectives at each organisational level and support the definition of the actions to achieve and to promote a cultural change to facilitate Diversity & Inclusion within the work environment. The Committee is composed by Prysmian Turkey Human Resources Director Aysun Kalmik, acting as Leader, and Product Development Manager of the Lincoln (Rhode Island) plant Prasha Sarwate, as Deputy Leader.

In order to improve the gender balance in its workforce, the Group has committed to achieving the following Diversity & Inclusion objectives by 2022:

• Ensuring 40% of women hired (female white collars hired with a permanent contract) on total hirings (34% in 2020 compared to 30% in 2016);

• Increasing from 21.9% to 25% the percentage of women managers (from junior to top positions);

• Improving gender balance with regard to executive positions: from 6% in 2016 to 18% in 2022.

In addition, fundamental indicators (e.g., security) have been implemented in all the Groups’ 104 plants.

The D&I parameters are part of the sustainability objectives, to which the payment of the company managers’ variable remuneration has been linked.
In addition, the Group’s first Global eNclusion Week, a five-day digital event, will take place from 17 to 21 May, featuring a series of digital panels and workshops on the importance and advantages of building diverse and inclusive workspaces. The programme will focus on four main themes: Gender Diversity; Diversity & Inclusion in all its forms; Inclusive Culture in the workplace; and Generational D&I.

The Global eNclusion Week will be opened on 14 May by Fabrizio Rutschmann, Prysmian Group CHRO, followed by speeches by: Valerio Battista, Prysmian Group CEO; Mimi Kung, Prysmian Group Independent Board Member; Eric Rondolat, Signify CEO; Sabrina Ritossa Fernandez, Sycomore Asset Management; Maria Cristina Bifulco, Chief Sustainability Officer & IR Director Prysmian Group; and Massimo Battaini, Prysmian Group COO. For further details on all the events click here. The Global eNclusion Week will offer the opportunity to know more about how Countries, Companies and Associations are promoting Diversity & Inclusion around the world.

With the participation of an international and multicultural community, this initiative will feature one week of events open to everyone, where speakers from different industries and with different background will share their knowledge and best practices related to Diversity & Inclusion.
“We strongly believe that leveraging on gender, age and cultural diversity means creating more value and we are constantly building a work environment where all our employees can feel understood, respected and included, just as they are. This event is more than an aspiration: it is a necessity, or better, a business case for a Group that has to work with customers, suppliers and shareholders with different backgrounds and cultures. In order to improve this approach, it is necessary to raise awareness and build a positive dialogue, which can contribute to advancing the Group’s corporate culture”, commented Fabrizio Rutschmann, Chief HR Officer Prysmian Group.

Prysmian Group believes in the value of individuals, backgrounds, leadership styles and attitudes because each person has the potential to generate value to the Company. Its global footprint enables the Group to promote an inclusive environment, encouraging the development of corporate culture and identity. Side by Side is Prysmian Group’s project that promotes Diversity & Inclusion across the organisation.

The Prysmian Group
Prysmian Group is a world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. With almost 140 years of experience, sales of €10 billion, about 28,000 employees in over 50 countries and 104 plants, the Group is strongly positioned in high-tech markets and offers the widest possible range of products, services, technologies and know-how.

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Last modified on May 12, 2021

Leoni AG reports positive trajectory for 1st quarter of 2021

May 12, 2021 – Leoni AG continues positive trajectory in the first quarter of 2021, which saw the initial WCS carve-out achieved. 

“We continued our operational recovery of the preceding quarters in the first quarter of 2021,” stated Leoni AG CEO Also Kamper. “We reached initial milestones in the improvement of our portfolio with the sale of Leoni Schweiz AG as well as the agreement on the disposal of business units of Leoni Kerpen GmbH. Overall, our progress in operational and strategic terms gives us confidence that we have embarked on the right course to stabilise our business on a sustainable basis. Our focus continues to be on diligently implementing all measures needed to further improve LEONI’s performance and efficiency in the future.” He cited the following positive news.

• Consolidated sales well up on the previous year in the first quarter of 2021

• EBIT before exceptional items as well as before VALUE 21 costs was, with earnings of €39 million, up substantially from the level of same quarter of the previous year (a loss of € 7 million) thanks to a sales increase and operational improvements

• Resolute implementation of our VALUE 21 performance and strategy programme; about €600 million of the gross cost savings potential realised as of 31 March 2021

• As expected, negative free cash flow of € 100 million substantially below the previous year’s neutral figure, which benefited considerably at the time from sale-and-leaseback transactions; free cash flow in the first quarter of 2021 was weighed down by the trend in net working capital related to the operational recovery

• Progress made with respect to strengthening our portfolio by having closed the sale of the first WCS unit, namely LEONI Schweiz AG, at the end of March 2021

• Agreement signed with a consortium of buyers on sale of LEONI Kerpen GmbH’s low-margin business units based in Stolberg; more than 160 jobs could be saved by continuing to operate these units in the hands of new owners at the site

• Sales and earnings outlook for fiscal 2021 raised: despite the persisting Covid-19 pandemic and bottlenecks in our global supply chains, outlook for Group sales now lifted to a significant increase (previously only a low double-digit percentage range); EBIT before exceptional items as well as before VALUE 21 costs should also improve significantly and now reach at least the break-even point

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Last modified on May 12, 2021

The Fundamentals: 2nd virtual staging of program again shows positive results

Madison, Connecticut, USA – May 10, 2021 – WAI completed its second virtual presentation of the Association’s Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing (Fundamentals) course, with the courses presented over seven consecutive Wednesdays from March 17 to April 28 drawing a collective 165 attendees.

“The continued strong participation shows the industry need for sound, basic information,” said WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll, who observed that the virtual format has also proven to be a good fit for the industry. “While in-person programs presented at Wire Expo or Interwire are ideal, staging them on-line has allowed more companies to allow their employees to participate for a very affordable cost. We will continue to offer Fundamentals at our trade shows, including Interwire 2021, but the virtual version has evolved from an emergency replacement to a full-fledged program that we are proud to offer.”

The presentations included: mechanics of wiredrawing, Matt Reinoehl, SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS; drawing dies, Tom Maxwell, Jr., Die Quip; wiredrawing lubricant properties, David Gzesh, Blachford Corporation; wire breaks and surface damage, Dr. Horace Pops, Horace Pops Consulting; fundamentals of ferrous metallurgy, Anand Bhagwat, Minova USA Inc.; stranding and cabling, Kevin Dancy, Roteq Machinery Inc.; extrusion, Erik Macs, Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.; cleaning and coating of rod and wire, Zach McAfee and Chris Porada, Chemetall North America; ferrous testing and properties, Richard Gordon, C. Richard Gordon Consulting LLC; fundamentals of electrical testing, Casey Spradlin and Erika Akins, Southwire Company, LLC; marking and printing, Mark Spencer, W. Gillies Technologies LLC; ferrous heat treatment, Richard Gordon; manufacturing problem solving, Stacy Martin, Prysmian Group; and an Operations Panel, Jan Sørige, Enkotec; Tom Heberling, Southwire; and Jim York, Insteel Industries, Inc.

The first virtual Fundamentals program, which replaced the program that could not be held when Wire Expo was canceled due to Covid-19, was held over seven consecutive Wednesdays from Sept. 16 to Oct. 28, 2020. The program, which saw two sessions each week that were each 70 minutes long (up from 45 minutes), drew a total of 199 attendees from 28 countries. The format received very positive reviews.

Virtual formatting quickly became a WAI focus due to Covid-19. WAI presented Streamcast on July 15, 2020.The online presentation of 12 industry speakers saw more than 250 individual attendees take part, setting a record for any WAI online event. On Nov. 11, 2020, WAI held a trifecta virtual event that included the Association’s annual clockwinding ceremony, its annual meeting and the 2020 Mordica Lecture by Dr. Gil Baker. A separate three-part webinar series by Dr. Horace Pops in January/February saw all 500 available slots filled before the first one was held.

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Last modified on May 10, 2021

Interwire 2021: registration is open

Madison, Connecticut, USA – May 10, 2021 – Interwire 2021: registration is open
It is with great pleasure that WAI announces that registration—at www.interwire21.com—is now officially open for Interwire 2021, which returns to the Georgia World Congress Center at the rescheduled dates of Oct. 26-27.

At press time, the good news has been that aside from the event itself, the backdrop should be better and better as the percentage of vaccinated people continues to rise over the next five months. Yet WAI is taking every measure to make sure that the return to Atlanta is both safe and worthwhile.

WAI has been working diligently with its long-time show contractor, Shepard Exposition Services, and the staff of the Georgia World Congress Center, to ensure that a comprehensive operating plan will be in place for Interwire. Only recently have meetings and exhibitions restarted, so WAI and its Atlanta partners will be consistently monitoring best practices, and will adjust plans accordingly. More details will be provided in future issues, but they all will be based on what will best ensure the health and safety of all participants and contractors.

In normal times, WJI would not be going into details on an event that is still far off, but it is worth noting again that much effort is being put into a showcase for the potential of Industry 4.0, which includes elements such as automation, AI, robotics, data analytics, and machine learning. Ready or not, change has arrived, and representatives at the Industry 4.0 Pavilion will be there to inform and inspire Interwire attendees.

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Last modified on May 10, 2021

New hires, promotions and retirements

May 10 2021. Cerrowire® has named David Hawker as plant manager for its facility in Hartselle, Alabama. He has 34 years of management experience in the electrical products manufacturing sector, with leadership roles in the U.S. and Canada. He most recently was vice president and general manager of Nexans Energy Division (North America). His understanding of market drivers, technology capabilities and cost/financial implications in his previous role drove him to focus on factors that resulted in world-leading profit. A Canadian native, he holds a degree in applied science, with a specialty in mechanical engineering, from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. He also served as the 2017 president of the Wire Association International. Based in Hartselle, Alabama, with plants also in Georgia, Indiana, and Utah, Cerrowire manufactures copper wire for commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

RichardsApex, Inc., reported two promotions. Howard Luckey has been promoted to plant manager of its Philadelphia operation. He started with the company in 1984 and worked his way up through various positions. He most recently was shipping manager, where he ensured the efficient movement of materials throughout the manufacturing facility. Of note, he has been promoted to the same position that his brother, Robert “Bob” Luckey, had held before retiring several years ago. Several other Luckey family members have been and continue to be employed at RichardsApex, and Howard continues the family’s legacy of hard-working, dedicated employees. The company also promoted Janelle Gerardi to senior chemist within its R&D team. She was cited for critical contributions to development of next generation products. She joined the company in 2018. She previously worked for Johnson Matthey in the company’s precious metals division. She holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from Villanova University. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, RichardsApex, Inc., supplies lubricants, cleaners and coatings for the wire drawing and metal working industries.

David Ohmann is the new president of Wytech Industries. Prior to joining the company, he held sales and marketing leadership positions at Heraeus and MicroGroup (a TE Connectivity Company). He was cited for his extensive medical device background, engineering perspective and deep understanding of the complexities of the development of specialty wire. He holds an M.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. Based in Rahway, New Jersey, Wytech designs and manufactures complex components for medical devices that includes precision wire components and specialty core wires.

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Last modified on May 10, 2021

Kinderhook Partners reports that it has acquired Cameron Wire & Cable

5/7/2021:  Kinderhook Industries, LLC (Kinderhook) announced that it has acquired Cameron Wire & Cable, Inc., a leading distributor of commercial and industrial wire, cable and related accessories.

A press release said that Robert Cameron, who founded the company and served as president, will continue his involvement and be on the board of directors. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, Cameron Wire & Cable supplies Cameron-branded copper, aluminum and specialty wire and cable products that are sold to the renewable energy, building wire, industrial and utility end markets. It also provides value-added services that include paralleling, cutting, kitting, harness assembly and development of custom engineered products for unique applications. It serves its customers out of a strategic footprint of distribution centers spanning the continental U.S.

The release did not cite the sales price, but Kinderhook Managing Director Paul Cifelli said that Cameron is “retaining a significant minority stake.” Kinderhook will add two of its operating partners—Ed Flynn, former CEO of International Wire Group, and Craig York, CEO of Kinderhook portfolio company, Copperweld—to Cameron Wire & Cable’s management and board of directors. The two men, who have more than 40 years of collective experience in the wire and cable industry, will provide operational and strategic expertise in support of Kinderhook and management.

Partnering with Kinderhook will allow us to accelerate our growth plan in Cameron’s core and adjacent industry verticals, said Robert Cameron. “In particular, I’m very excited to pursue complementary add-on acquisitions that will help continue to grow our franchise and value-added capabilities.”

“Robert Cameron has successfully led the company to a position of industry leadership in just over a decade, and we look forward to working with him on expanding the Company’s products, services and end markets,” Cifelli said. “Cameron Wire & Cable is a valuable addition to Kinderhook’s rapidly growing wire and cable franchise, and we are excited to help facilitate the acceleration of the company’s already impressive growth.”

Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC, is a private investment firm that manages over $3.3 billion of committed capital. In 2019 it acquired the Copperweld Group, Inc., which last November acquired Copperhead Industries, a Minnesota-based provider of specialty tracer wire products and related equipment.

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Last modified on May 7, 2021

NKT receives French contract for long-term supply of high voltage power cables

5/7/2021:  NKT reports that it has been awarded a long-term frame agreement with French Transmission System Operator, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE) to supply it high-voltage power cables.

A press release said that the agreement builds upon a decade of successful collaboration between NKT and RTE. “This new frame contract is a testament to NKT’s presence in France and a confirmation of the mutually rewarding business relationship between NKT and RTE.”
NKT will supply 25 kV high-voltage AC XLPE underground power cable systems, and install accessories such as joints and terminations. The contract covers from 2021 through 2023, with an option for one additional year, as RTE furthers its goal to renew and modernize the transmission power grid in France to support energy transition.

“We are fully committed to accelerate the sustainability journey as we are the first major power cable manufacturer to commit to the Science Based Target initiative and to become a net-zero emissions company supporting RTE in their ambition of making ‘the Greener Choice,’” said NKT President and CEO Alexander Kara.

NKT is currently supporting RTE by executing a 225 kV high-voltage retrofitting power cable project in Marseille, where old cables installed in steel pipes are being replaced with new armored extruded XLPE type cables. The power cables for both the retrofitting project and the new frame agreement are to be made at NKT’s factory in Cologne, Germany, which runs on 100% green electricity.

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Last modified on May 7, 2021

Elettrotek Kabel completes purchase of Canada’s Associated Wire Products

5/7/2021: Italy’s Elettrotek Kabel SpA (EK) announced that it has completed the acquisition of Associated Wire Products (AWP), a Canadian leader in automation cables.

Founded in 1987 with headquarters in Burlington, Ontario (Canada), AWP is specialized in providing special cables for the industries. Elettrotek Kabel Group thus continues its growth in strategic sectors such as the industrial automation. The acquisition of AWP allows the expansion of EK’s presence in these markets by providing customers with excellent technical and commercial support.

Announcing the acquisition, EK President and CEO Roberto Gallingani explained, “The addition of AWP to our group represents an excellent value-add for Elettrotek Kabel Group’s Cables Automation division in the Canadian markets. We believe this is a strategic acquisition that will also allow AWP to continue expanding its capabilities while benefiting from the technical expertise and global footprint of Elettrotek Kabel Group.”

“Elettrotek Kabel established another important milestone,” said Nicola Malaguti, president and CEO of Elettrotek Kabel North America Inc. “We are confident that with this acquisition our presence in North America will continue to grow. AWP perfectly fits with the group, embracing the same business model and goals. This investment is essential to support Canadian customers and it confirms that Elettrotek is a leader in the cable industry.”

Founded in 2001, Elettrotek Kabel is a leading company in the design, manufacture and supply of special electrical cables used in harsh environments with a high cost of failure. It is one of the first companies in the world to manufacture and distribute special cables for the industrial automation, steel, mining, port and crane, marine and oil industries. The rapid expansion of the group has been possible thanks to the competence of the management team and their constant attention to the exclusive use of the highest quality products.

Founded in 1987, AWP is a Canadian leader in automation cables, with the main objective of meeting the customer’s needs by offering technical solutions and excellent service. AWP has never stopped listening to the needs of the market for over 30 years, and today is recognized for the highest guarantee of quality and reliability.

 

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Last modified on May 7, 2021

OmniCable reports that it will buy Houston Wire & Cable in deal valued at $91 million

5/7/2021: OmniCable has agreed to buy Houston Wire & Cable Co. (HWCC) in a $91 million deal that would combine their complementary businesses, products and footprint to create a national leader in the redistribution field.

A press release said that the deal was approved by HWCC’s board of directors, and is expected to get approval at a May 25 meeting of HWCC shareholders. The publicly traded company would then become a private entity of Omni Cable.

The deal “will maximize OmniCable’s and HWCC’s highly complementary operations,” the release said. The combined company will also continue HWCC’s fastener redistribution business. Following the close of the transaction, each company will retain its own brands and its existing locations. “Our shared central focus on redistribution, logistical expertise, and unyielding pursuit of perfection for our business partners will drive both businesses to enhance the value that we bring to the marketplace,” said Jeff Siegfried, OmniCable founder and vice chairman.

HWCC, founded 45 years ago, is a large industrial distributor of wire and cable and fastener products in the U.S. market. Based in Houston, Texas, it has sales and distribution facilities strategically located throughout the U.S. OmniCable, a subsidiary of Dot Holdings Co., has 14 regional distribution centers to serve and support electrical distributors nationwide.

 

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Last modified on May 7, 2021

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