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Prysmian pulls out of plan for U.S. subsea cable plant as new president takes office

The Prysmian Group has dropped its plans to build a subsea power cable plant in Brayton Point in Somerset, Massachusetts, a turn of events that was widely seen as being linked to the election of President Donald Trump.

Multiple reports in local media said that the Prysmian Group—which spent more than two years getting the necessary permits—issued a statement two days before Trump took office on January 20. “Prysmian is continuously evaluating market opportunities for our capacity to be aligned with demand ... and to also carry out efficient and timely investments,” said its statement, which did not mention Trump. “As a result ... Prysmian has decided to not proceed with the purchase of the land in Somerset.”

In 2022, President Joe Biden appeared at the site of the former coal plant to deliver a speech about the dangers of climate change and the benefits of clean energy like offshore wind.

Prysmian’s plan to invest $300 million in the Brayton Point factory would enable manufacturing submarine inter-array and export cables up to 275 kV AC or 525 kV DC to connect offshore wind farms to mainland power grids. A Prysmian press release said the production “would be used to deliver power from several new offshore wind farms that are vital to President Biden’s goal of installing 30 GW in offshore wind power by 2030.”

President Trump was cited by many as the cause for the reversal. Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss described the news as disappointing and discouraging. “Donald Trump has unraveled that promise of good jobs by threatening a moratorium on offshore wind, generating so much uncertainty that companies pull back investment.”

In his first day in office, President Trump—who has long opposed clean energy and EV subsidies—signed an executive order temporarily halting offshore wind lease sales in federal waters and pausing issuance of approvals, permits and loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects.

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Leoni AG opens new plant in Morocco

 Leoni AG has opened a plant for producing wiring systems for the truck, powertrain and off-road segment in Agadir, Morocco, a location chosen due to its proximity to plants of commercial vehicle manufacturers.

A press release said that the €20 million investment underlines both the automotive supplier’s ambitions in the global growth market for commercial vehicles and the importance of Morocco as a location for the automotive industry. The initiative is expected to result in more than 3,000 jobs being created.

“It is our clear goal to grow faster than the market in the commercial vehicle segment in the coming years,” said Leoni AG COO Ingo Spengler. He noted that Leoni is one of the few automotive suppliers worldwide that develops and manufactures vehicle cables and wiring systems for passenger cars as well as commercial and off-road vehicles. The business understands the “nervous system of the automobile,” and the Agadir opening will strengthen Leoni’s competitiveness in commercial vehicles segment.

The Agadir plant will produce wiring systems in comparatively small batch sizes with a high level of complexity, using energy-efficient technologies installed to keep the plant’s CO2 footprint at minimum level. “Moreover, Agadir is a flagship project for smart, digital and increasingly automated processes, showcasing best practices and setting benchmarks for operational excellence across the company’s global production network,” says Leoni COO Ingo Spengler.

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WAI’s Education Center set to transform wire industry training in 2025

Madison, Connecticut, USA – Jan. 29, 2025 – The Wire Association International Inc. (WAI) announces the official launch of its online Education Center, a training platform designed to revolutionize professional development in the wire and cable manufacturing industry. This platform—both versatile and accessible—offers a modern approach to training. It combines the visual aid of high-quality 3D animations and real-world footage with expert instruction to ensure a dynamic and effective learning experience.

The platform, which debuted today, includes foundational content focusing on extrusion basics, ferrous metallurgy, and manufacturing safety.

By mid-2025 WAI will expand the Education Center library with an adaptation of its flagship Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing course to be delivered in a comprehensive series of on-demand modules. Course topics include wire drawing, lubricants, and wire breaks.

Participants can expect an Extrusion Series late this year covering single-layer extrusion, extrusion materials, special process considerations, and extrusion applications. Videos in this series will be offered for purchase individually or as part of a bundled package.

WAI also plans a Safety Training Series to include modules that will address the unique challenges of wire and cable manufacturing, equipping companies to prioritize worker well-being and maintain compliance.

Commenting on the platform, John Markowski, WAI’s Manager of Education, said “WAI’s Education Center delivers a flexible, on-demand program to empower companies to train employees on their own schedule—a great solution for businesses seeking consistent and efficient onboarding.”

To learn more about WAI’s Education Center, visit www.wirenet.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 203-458-4044.

WAI, founded in 1930, is a not-for-profit association with 1700 individual members in 38 countries and Wire Journal International subscribers in 94 countries. The association serves the educational needs of the wire and cable manufacturing industry through a variety of products and services. WAI manages the Interwire Conference & Trade Exhibition and Wire Expo; it publishes the Wire Journal International and the Wire Journal International Reference Guide.

Media Contacts: Janice E. Swindells, Director Marketing & Corporate Communications, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel.: 001-203-453-2777, x. 117; Steven J. Fetteroll, Executive Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel.: 001-203-453-1777.

 

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Last modified on January 30, 2025

WCMA names the 2025 winners of its Distinguished Career Award at luncheon

At its recent Annual Meeting, the Wire Cable Manufacturers Alliance (WCMA) announced the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Career Award that will be honored this March at the 39th Annual Awards Dinner and Investiture Ceremony.

The winners are: Bob Allen, engineering manager, James Monroe Wire & Cable; Lenny Argentine, vice president sales & marketing, International Wire; Mike Canterino, vice president engineering, Fluoropolymer Resources; John Gross, publisher, The Copper Journal; Trent Hayes, Engineering Manager, CommScope; Hamid Haophsy, vice president manufacturing, Fisk Alloy Wire; Joe Iamartino, vice president of technology, Marmon Electrical; and David Kiddoo, CEO, IWCS/CCCA.

The Dec. 3 Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon saw 120 members and guests meet at the Downtown Hartford Marriott. Keynote Speaker John Traynor, president of Cambridge Trust Wealth Management, shared his thoughts on current economic, political, and manufacturing topics. It was preceded by a Young Professional Panel Session entitled “The Next Generation’s Perspective - How to Succeed in the Wire & Cable Industry.” See p. 54.

WCMA Executive Director Ed Fenton said the organization has continued to do well, allowing it to increased the amount it contributes to more than $21,000 to charity (UCONN Foundation and Toys for Tots) and scholarship programs (WAI, IWCS, and Copper Club) on behalf of the membership. James Monroe Wire & Cable, International Wire, Gem Gravure and Chase Corp. were recognized for their generous donations; Carlie Crawford, director of laboratory services at Marmon Innovation & Technology Group, was presented with the 2024 Young Professionals Award; and Chris Venice, Marmon IEI, was recognized for his services as association president; and Greg Smith, president & CEO of International Wire, was recognized for his service as a Board Director.

The 2025 officers include Shane Berry, Service Wire Co., president; Peter Moran, Marmon IEI, vice president; and. Cheryl Stewart, secretary/treasurer. Ongoing directors include: Alberto Aguilar, president, Carris Reels; Tom Artinian, CEO, TiniFiber; Adam Chase, CEO (retired), Chase Corp.; John Dogazzi, managing director, Sikora International; Sue Welsh, Young Professionals Liaison, president (retired), Rubadue Wire; and new board member, Nate Schilberg, president & CFO of Prime Materials Recovery, Inc.

The 39th annual Awards Dinner and Ceremony will take place on March 29, 2025, in Hartford, Connecticut, at the Downtown Hartford Marriott Hotel. For more information about this event, visit www.wcmainc.org.

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SteelOrbis conference to be held Jan. 20 in Las Vegas at the World of Concrete Expo

 SteelOrbis will hold its annual Rebar & Wire Rod Conference—the only steel-centered event held during the World of Concrete Expo—at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 20, 2025.

A press release said that the SteelOrbis conference has a new extended program that includes opportunities to network with colleagues, customers, suppliers and steel experts. Attendees can hear insightful views of distinguished speakers from the U.S. long steel industry regarding the main issues and latest trends in the market. The event will also include the presentation of the RWR Lifetime Achievement Award in Long Products.

The program is for steel producers, distributors, fabricators, traders, end-users, plant/equipment companies and logistics companies. The schedule, registration and other details are at www.atevent.steelorbis.com/en/rwr2025/

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Eurodraw Wire Equipment names Omega Americas as its N. American representative

Italy’s Eurodraw Wire Equipment Srl announced that it has named Omega Americas LLC as its new representative for the North American market.

A press release said that Can Kocabalkanli of Omega America, has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, and will be the primary contact. “He will assist you with our company for any needs, such as product inquiries, order management, after-sales support, etc.”

Per Eurodraw, the company felt it was important to have localized representation in the United States to better serve customers there that could benefit from its equipment expertise. “We are confident that Can’s expertise and dedication will provide the high level of service and support you have come to expect from our company.”

Kocabalkanli can be contacted at tel. 443-808-9770
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Leibinger to expand presence in Brazil

Germany’s Leibinger report that it will expand its local presence for its coding and marking technology in Brazil through key initiatives that include partnerships with established distributors such as Qualijet in the Southeast and Norvac in the Northeast.

A press release said that the company will improve service delivery, product availability, and spare parts and its overall ability.  “By working with established distributors, leveraging a dedicated local team, and housing inventory in-country, Leibinger is enabling businesses to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and stay competitive in Brazil’s dynamic market.”

“Our mission extends beyond mere expansion,” said Cesar Denadai Rugero, Leibinger’s dedicated business development & channel manager for South America. “It’s about shaping a future where every package embodies precision and reliability. We are deeply committed to empowering Brazilian businesses with tailored, world-class solutions that meet their unique needs, while ensuring unparalleled support and service for our customers, both regionally and globally.”

Qualijet, headquartered in São Paulo, has been distributing Leibinger products for more than 15 years while Norvac is a new partner for the company.

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Oman subsidiary signs MoU with Indian company to manufacture conductors

Oman Aluminum Processing Industries SPC (OAPIL)— a subsidiary of Oman Cables Industry SAOG—has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indore Specialty Materials, that will enable it to manufacture high-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors.

A press release said that the agreement with Indore Specialty Materials, a subsidiary of India’s Indore Composite, will supply OAPIL with its proprietary EnergyCore composite core, in addition to offering technical support. EnergyCore, an advanced composite material developed by Indore, enhances HTLS conductor performance with superior thermal stability, lightweight properties, and exceptional strength—key qualities that contribute to higher efficiency and reliability in transmission lines. The EnergyCore-based ACER (Aluminum Conductor EnergyCore Reinforced) HTLS conductors will be integral in building a more sustainable power infrastructure for the Middle East and beyond.

This collaboration with Indore Specialty Materials will help us venture into advanced conductor manufacturing, while enabling utilities to enhance power grid capacity, reliability, and resilience,” said OAPIL Chief Strategy Officer Jehan Alagappan. “This investment also helps OAPIL to improve product diversification and create capability to produce high value -added products in Oman. We are happy to partner with Indore Specialty Materials to support energy transition and electrification efforts.”

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Advisory board created by ITU and ICPC will address issues for submarine cables

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) have formed the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience to strengthen the resilience of this vital telecommunication infrastructure.

Per multiple media reports, the Advisory Body will address ways to improve cable resilience by promoting best practices for governments and industry players to ensure the timely deployment and repair of submarine cables, reduce the risks of damage, and enhance the continuity of communications over the cables.

“This body will identify key issues to ensure that submarine cables are built, deployed and maintained with a greater resiliency,” Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) told reporters ahead of the first meeting of the new group. “It’s definitely not just a technical issue, but an issue that can affect our economies and our societies. And however we see that this critical infrastructure is vulnerable to disruptions,” he said.

A follow-up summit is planned in Nigeria in February.

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‘Friendship Bridge’ undermined by slew of illegal cables used for nefarious ends

The Thai–Laos Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River that connects Thailand and Laos was envisioned at its opening in 1994 as a blessing for the two neighboring countries in terms of their economies, trade, tourism, investment, cultural exchanges, transportation and logistics. It worked, and to expand capacity, a second Friendship Bridge was opened in 2007, only in recent years the original intent was lost on some users. More specifically, those who chose to use the bridge for other purposes.

Per reports in the Bangkok Post, The Diplomat and Taiger, the 2nd Friendship Bridge hosted a wide range of illegal cables used for various unapproved “uses,” such as cross-border call center scams. National Broadcasting and Telecommunications commissioner Pol. Gen. Nathathorn Prousoontorn said that a total of 16 large-sized, high-speed fiber optic cables were laid across the bridge. “There were two 216-core cables, two 96-core cables and 14 24-core internet cables.”

An inspection found that scam gangs had also installed illegal internet cables several km into Myanmar. “Our sleuths used hi-tech gear to trace these cables, discovering they served a bustling business area in Laos, with the capacity to mislead up to 10,000 users at once,” Prousoontorn said.

A portion of the cables were laid by an authorized company, only that business exceeded their authority. Prousoontorn said that some of the cables were installed by a company the NBTC had licensed to provide telecom service, but only in Thailand. There also appears to have been multiple participants, and some arrests have been made. A joint task force in Tak caught one person who was using a water rocket launcher to extend Internet cables across the border into Myanmar for Chinese clients. The suspect admitted being hired.

“Given the size of the cables, they can transmit signals to four economic towns covering areas of hundreds of kilometres and provide internet services to many scammers who have moved their operations (from Laos) to this area,” Prousoontorn said. “This is our biggest seizure of illegal internet cables. Cutting them has prevented the call center gangs in this area from accessing the internet,” he said.

Assistant National Police Chief, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot said that while rogue cables have surfaced over rivers and borderlands before, never have they been laid so boldly across international bridges.

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