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LS Cable reports HVDC advance

LS Cable & System announced that it will commercialize the world’s largest transmission capacity ultra-high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable that increases transmission capacity by up to 50% for a new project.

A press release said that the new power cable will be exclusively supplied to the first phase of Korea Electric Power Corp.’s East Coast-Metropolitan Area (ECMA) transmission network, the largest HVDC project in Korea. The 525 kV high-temperature HVDC cable can achieve the record by increasing the allowable temperature of the conductor from 70°C to 90°C. It is scheduled to be deployed in the underground section of the first phase of the East Coast-Metropolitan Area HVDC in September.

The release said that while there have been cases of technological development overseas, this is the first time a mass-produced product is being applied to an actual transmission network. Use of DC transmission results in less transmission loss than existing alternating current and can transmit up to three times more power over long distances. The ECMA transmission network project is a national core power grid project to efficiently transfer power generated in the East Coast region to the metropolitan area. The first phase covers the East Coast-Singapyeong converter station section, and the second phase, to connect to the metropolitan area, is underway.

LS Cable noted it started developing HVDC cables in 2008, later than Europe (1950s) and Japan (1990s), and has since emerged as a leading company. It added that only six companies worldwide have commercialized this technology, with LS Cable being the only one in South Korea.

“Competitiveness in the HVDC market depends on securing commercialization technology,” said Lee In-ho, chief technology officer (CTO) of LS Cable. “Along with LS Marine Solutions, we plan to actively participate in major domestic and international projects such as the West Coast HVDC Energy Highway, East Coast-Metropolitan Area.

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Last modified on June 27, 2025

Indian company to enter country’s domestic wire and cable market ... with star support

Last issue, WJI wrote about two cement companies that each planned to enter the wire and cable industry in India. Now, word comes of another Indian business, this one in a related field, that wants to enter the wire and cable field: Luker India, a manufacturer of LED lighting.

Per a press release and multiple media reports, the company—formed in 2015 to manufacture LED lighting—will be manufacturing wire and cable, initially with a focus on South India. Production has already started at the company’s plant in Coimbatore. The company notes that the cable manufacturing process has become easier with the adoption of AI where the consistency was as high at 99.99% compared to 98.3% earlier due to human errors.

The company plans to connect with over 100,000 retailers across India to promote and distribute its wires and cables. Further, the company has already tabbed Bollywood personality Prabhu Deva Sundaram as its brand ambassador. Of note, in the WJI May feature on marketing/social media, there was also a piece about India’s Fonolex Cables hiring two Bollywood film stars in 2022 for their marketing campaign.

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Tratos was named the cable supplier for high-speed 503 km railway route in Turkey

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.

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Suprajit Engineering completes its 2024 acquisition of Germany’s Stahlschmidt

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.

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LS Cable & System named a preferred supplier for offshore wind farm project

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.”

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Turkish cable manufacturer plans to open its new plant this year in South Carolina

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.

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Prysmian holds groundbreaking for major expansion of Encore Wire’s Texas campus

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.

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ArcelorMittal closure of its Canadian wire plant in Hamilton roils the steel industry

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.

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new hires and promotions

Cooper Runzel has been promoted from director of operations to COO of Lake Cable. The son of company founder-owner Bill Runzel, Cooper Runzel has made a name for himself since he started at the family business as a line operator in 2008. He worked in a series of positions while completing his degree at Loyola University. He sparked the company’s focus on Industry 4.0 technology. He was plant manager in 2016 and vice president of insulating manufacturing in 2022. A member of WAI’s board of directors, at Interwire 2025 he made a presentation (Leading the Next Generation) in the conference sessions. Based in Bensenville, Illinois, Lake Cable LLC specializes in cable for the industrial, utility, OEM and broadcast sectors.

Conor Farese is the newest member of the board of directors for family-owned Southwire Co. He is the first member of the third generation of the Richards family to serve on the board. He now operates his own strategy consultancy and serves as an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design. His work spans sectors that include healthcare, climate, energy and technology. He regularly speaks and coaches leaders on strategy, storytelling and product design. He most recently spent six years at global design firm IDEO working with Fortune 500 companies and startups. He previously worked with Southwire as a business development specialist and was a contributing player on the corporate strategy team. He follows in the footsteps of multiple family members, including his grandfather, Southwire’s founder Roy Richards, Sr. Other family board members include Farese’s uncles, Roy Richards, Jr., and Lee Richards, and his mother, Nancy Richards Farese. He holds an undergraduate degree in environmental studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the University of California, Berkley. Based in Carrollton, Georgia, Southwire is one of the world’s largest wire and cable manufacturers.

Dean Hatley has rejoined Davis Wire Corporation as sales director, a position he had previously held before joining Liberty Engineered Wire Products (EWP) in 2022. Prior to that, Hatley had worked for 34 years for Insteel Wire Products Company, which acquired EWP in 2022. Based in Irwindale, California, Davis Wire has a diverse product line and is one of the largest U.S. galvanized wire manufacturers.

Tri Star Metals has announced that Nick Pigott and Seth Fischer have assumed new roles and joined the company’s executive committee. Pigott, formerly vice president of stainless wire and nickel alloys, now serves as executive vice president. Fischer, previously vice president of sales and aerospace products, is executive vice president, commercial. Both have been with Tri Star Metals for over 15 years. They join Jay Mandel, Jim Roach, Bryan Hitchcock, and George Antonopoulos on the executive committee. Antonopoulos continues as chief financial officer. The company also noted that Pigott, Fischer, and Antonopoulos have become shareholders in Tri Star Metals. Based in Freeport, Illinois, Tri Star Metals manufactures stainless steel and nickel alloy wire and bar.

Stainless Steel Products has named industry veteran Mike Fredrickson as the company’s director of sales/operations. He has more than 40 years of experience across multiple industries, including cable, brush, specialty metals and beyond, and is known for his deep technical knowledge, customer-first mindset and ability to cultivate long-term partnerships. Most of his career was at Loos & Co., where he worked for 39 years as sales manager of the wire division. He also worked at Jewel Wire and Midalloy Specialty Materials. Based in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Stainless Steel Products manufactures ferrous and nonferrous round wire, rolls flat wire, and provides straightening and cutting, crimping and specialty packaging.

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Wire & Cable Kraków will provide an incredible amount of content in 1 day

Attendees of Wire & Cable Kraków are in for a treat when the international conference is held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Holiday Inn Kraków City Centre in Kraków, Poland.

Wire & Cable Kraków will be packed with innovation, insight and international collaboration. The conference program calls for 29 expert speakers to share their knowledge in this single-day technical blitz. The program will explore topics such as production efficiency, product development and sustainability. Ferrous and nonferrous sessions will run concurrently, offering something for everyone in the wire and cable world.

Scheduled speakers come from companies that include Tata Steel, the MFL Group, InnoVites, SAMP Group, Eder Engineering, Hyperion, TKT Group, Windak Group, Aeroel Marposs, Niehoff, WiTechs,

the Pittini Group, AGH University, CRU, Paramount Die, Metalube, Bekaert, Taymer Europe, Tokai University, Czestochowa University of Technology, University of Milano-Bicocca and Celanese.

A tabletop exhibition will be held by the conference. Space is limited to 25 companies. Contact WAI via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details on getting a tabletop. Go to wirecable25.com for the latest info.

The WAI is a lead organizer, joining ACIMAF, the AGH University of Kraków and the International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA). The conference is also backed by media partner Expometals.net, supported by WJI, and sponsored by the International Wire and Cable Machine Exhibitors Association (IWCEA). Media support also comes from Expometals.net. The International Wire and Cable Machine Exhibitors Association (IWCEA) is also an event sponsor. More sponsorship opportunities are available.

The event is designed to be more than “just a conference.” The experience begins early with a welcome dinner on Monday, Oct. 13 at the historic Stara Zajezdnia Kraków by DeSilva in the heart of Kazimierz. An optional private tour of the famed Wieliczka Salt Mine—with hotel transport—is also on the agenda.

Hotel rooms can be booked now for the Holiday Inn Kraków City Centre via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling tel. +48-12-619-00-51. Mention the password (THE WIRE KRAKÓW) when reserving.

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Madison, CT 06443-2662

P: (203) 453-2777