Telxius, a subsidiary of Telefónica, a Spanish telecom company, announced that it is extending the capacity of the Tikal subsea cable so that it can connect to Mexico.
A press release said that Telxius will be extending its ultrahigh capacity subsea cable Tikal to land in Cancun, Mexico. Tikal was announced jointly with America Movil in January 2023 to connect Puerto Barrios in Guatemala to Boca Raton in the U.S. “Telxius will now lead independently, on its own, the extension project to Cancun and the related supply contract is already in force with ASN.”
Tikal’s main trunk will launch with an initial estimated capacity of 380 Tbps and will serve a key route in the Caribbean with the highest levels of service, reliability and security. The estimated Ready For Service (RFS) date is mid-2026. This next-generation cable will now land in Mexico through the extension to Cancun. There is an option to extend it further to Barranquilla in Colombia.
The Telxius network spans over 100,000 km of terrestrial and subsea fiber including seven next-generation systems: Marea, Brusa, Dunant, Tannat, Junior, Mistral and soon Tikal. Five of these land in Latin America and the other two extend the network across the Atlantic. The Telxius network has been designed to connect the main digital data hubs on both sides of the Atlantic with a multi-Terabit set of new next-generation subsea cables.
Industry News
The Prysmian Group has signed an agreement worth approximately $952.8 million with Clean Path New York to provide submarine and land power cable systems for one of the largest transmission infrastructure projects in the United States.
A press release said that Clean Path New York is an $11 billion renewable energy project comprising 3,800 MW of wind and solar power from more than 20 new wind and solar generation resources and a new 175-mile, underground and submarine transmission link. These assets will be able to deliver more than 7.5 million megawatt-hours of emissions-free energy every year—enough to power more than 1.5 million New York households.
Clean Path New York is a public-private collaboration between Invenergy, energyRe, and the New York Power Authority. The Prysmian Group will be responsible for the design, manufacture, construction, installation, and commissioning of Clean Path New York’s high-voltage DC current) 400 KV single core cable system with XLPE insulation, conditional upon Clean Path New York issuing its notice to proceed in Spring 2024.
“We are proud to support Clean Path New York in meeting New York State’s ambitious climate goals to be 70% carbon-free by 2030,” said Hakan Ozmen, EVP Projects BU, Prysmian Group. “Clean Path New York is one of the largest transmission infrastructure projects to be executed in New York State and is one the first 400 kV HVDC interconnectors to be built by Prysmian around the world. This agreement reinforces Prysmian Group’s leading position in the submarine and land cable market and underlines both our continued role in and our commitment to the North American energy transition.”
TELE-FONIKA Kable (TFK) and JDR Cable Systems (JDR) have been awarded a contract from the ORLEN Group and Northland Power for a Baltic Power wind farm in Poland.
A press release said the TFK and JDR—along with partners NKT and DEME Offshore—will design, manufacture, and install 340 km of land and subsea cables for the project. Located 23 km to the north of the Polish coastline at the area Choczewo and Łeba, the Baltic Power wind farm area of some 130 sq km will host 76 wind turbines, each with a generating capacity of 15 MW. The project, scheduled to be fully operational by 2026, is designed to generate 1.2 GW of energy to Poland.
TFK will manufacture and install 230 kV land power cables and cores for inter-array cables at its manufacturing facility in Bydgoszcz. As a consortium partner, NKT will develop the offshore export cables for the project, delivering power from the offshore substations to the shore. TFK will manage the transportation and installation of the onshore cable section within the Baltic wind farm.
JDR, a business of TFK, will design and manufacture 66 kV inter-array cables at its U.K. plant in Hartlepool. Those cables will connect the 76 offshore turbines to the offshore substation. DEME Offshore will be responsible for transporting and installing all subsea cables. The manufacture and delivery of all cables will be completed by the end of 2025.
The contract comes as part of Poland’s energy transition ambitions as it aims to develop offshore wind energy in the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea, with a capacity of approx. 5.9 GW in 2030 and up to 11 GW in 2040.
Since 2007, JDR and TF Kable have supplied 33 kV inter-array cables to U.K. projects such as the Greater Gabbard and London Array. In 15 years, they’ve delivered over 4,000 km of subsea cables, enabling the transmission of 22 GW of offshore wind power, representing ca. 36% of the total capacity of nearly 60 GW. They celebrated their 50th offshore wind farm cable contract in 2022, contributing to global wind farms in the US, Taiwan, and the U.K. / Europe.
A press release said that the project is a turnkey project that includes cable delivery, construction, and installation. The cables will be supplied by LS Cable & System for 230 kV and above, and by LS Cable & System Asia for 66 kV and below.
LS Cable & System has been actively targeting the Singapore market since 2010 and has established itself as a key supplier with the No. 1 market share. LS Cable & System has won contracts in Singapore worth about $260 million, “making it the No. 1 player in Asia’s largest high-voltage market.” Singapore’s electricity grid is composed of underground cables that pass under the ground without building transmission towers. Competition is fierce among global cable companies from Europe and elsewhere for high-value-added underground cable business.
Prysmian wins contracts for 50Hertz project
Prysmian PowerLink Srl, part of the Prysmian Group, has been awarded new HVDC cable contracts worth some €1.1 billion by 50Hertz, a transmission grid operator in Germany.
A press release said that order is part of 50Hertz’s long-term EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation) contracts for German projects. This one is for Lot2, which includes EPCI contracts for the NOR-11-1 submarine and DC31 land projects, along with Lot7. The projects are part of Germany’s overall goal to reach a cumulative installed capacity of 70 GW by 2045 for offshore wind and to transfer the energy generated in the North Sea to consumers in the eastern and southern regions of Germany.
Under Lot2, Prysmian will be responsible for the EPCI elements as well as testing and commissioning the two turnkey projects—NOR-11-1 and DC31—that will have an overall cable length of around 1,000 km. With a power transmission capacity of 2 GW, NOR-11-1 is a 525 kV HVDC submarine project utilizing submarine cable plus underground cable along the route that is planned to connect the offshore windfarm area N-11-1 to the German grid in the Heide/West area. The second project of Lot2, the DC31 is a 525 kV HVDC underground cable project and is planned to transmit power from the Heide/West area to Klein Rogahn.
Both the submarine and land HVDC cable systems will consist of two single-core copper cables with XLPE insulation plus a dedicated XLPE metallic return (DMR) cable and a fiber optic cable. The submarine power cables will be produced at Prysmian’s plants in Pikkala, Finland, and Arco Felice, Italy, and the submarine fiber cables will be manufactured in Nordenham, Germany. The underground power cables to be used will cover both the DC31 and the underground part of the NOR-11-1 project will be produced in France.
Prysmian was also deemed a primary supplier for Lot7, which consists of a framework provision allowing 50Hertz to contract future 525 kV offshore and/or onshore projects with a cable core length volume of up to 2,700 km within an agreed period, and burial of offshore cables.
“We are happy to collaborate and strengthen our partnership with 50Hertz on these important projects and contribute to the German ‘Energiewende’ with our solutions and experience, supporting the growth of green energy use in Germany and around the world,” said Hakan Ozmen, EVP Projects BU, Prysmian Group.
Hellenic Cables has won the contract to design, manufacture, transport, and install a package of four 220 kV HVAC export cables to connect the Baltyk II and Baltyk III wind farms in the Polish Baltic Sea to shore.
A press release said that the project—developed by the joint venture of Equinor and Polenergia, Baltyk II and Baltyk III—will each have a capacity of 720 MW and connect to the onshore grid via a total of four HVAC submarine cables with a combined length of 256 km.
Baltyk II and Baltyk III will be two of the first operational offshore wind farms in Poland, supporting the country in its transition to renewable energy. Hellenic Cables is part of a consortium that includes the De Nul Group, which will install them.
“We are proud that Equinor and Polenergia have awarded us to install the export cables for these 2 important Polish projects and their recognition of the combined capabilities of Jan De Nul and Hellenic Cables,” said Wouter Vermeersch, Manager Offshore Cables at Jan De Nul Group.
The companies will execute the connection of the two Baltyk wind farms to shore in 2026. The design and manufacture of the HVAC cables will be performed at Hellenic Cables’ plant in Corinth, Greece.
Lake Cable, a fourth-generation U.S. wire and cable manufacturer, celebrated the official opening on Oct. 16 of the company’s newest expansion: an existing 180,000-sq-ft building formerly owned by bearings manufacturer Regal Beloit that is located adjacent to its plant on Evans Avenue in Valparaiso, Indiana.
“Lake Cable is very proud to be a member of the great Valparaiso community,” said Lake Cable CEO Bill Runzel, who was joined by Valparaiso, state and other leaders in celebrating the opening of the company’s newest facility. “This new facility allows Lake Cable to continue to expand our successful industrial power insulated cable business.”
Runzel noted that since Lake Cable started its plant in Valparaiso in 2013, the operation has grown to 368,000 square feet under roof and nearly 200 employees. In the last two years, the company has invested more than $7.5 million in new equipment, and it will be installing new production lines and hiring more people from the Valparaiso community in the next few years.
The company had long been interested in the Regal Beloit building, which was closed, but it had only become available a while ago. It was in good shape, and the extra capacity it will offer Lake Cable makes it a sound addition.
Established in 1995, Lake Cable has more than 620 employees throughout its five locations in Indiana and Illinois. Lake Cable manufactures UL listed low voltage electronic, industrial, utility, custom OEM and broadcast quality cable.
Lake Cable also believes in giving back to charities such as MS and pediatric cancer, by actively supporting a wide range of fund-raising events over the years. Some of those include the Veterans Airlift Command, the Runzel Brothers Spring Shoot and MuckFest MS Chicago.
Cabopol Polymer Compounds (Cabopol), a Portuguese supplier of thermoplastic and crosslinked compounds, announced that it is expanding its global presence with a new production unit in Monterrey, Mexico.
A company spokesman said that the new plant, which will cover some 10,000 sq m, is located in the heart of Monterrey’s industrial zone. It is expected to be operational by year’s end, at which time it will represent the company’s first compounding production in the Americas.
A press release said that the plant will use the latest technology and equipment to produce high-quality polymer compounds at a competitive cost. It will start with two production lines with annual capacity of 25,000 tons and be able to expand that to meet its commitment to growth and innovation in the polymer industry.
The new production unit will initially focus on supplying compounds for the wire and cable industry, with a specific emphasis on serving the automotive sector. The new capacity will improve supply chain efficiency and reduce lead times for customers in the Mexican and American markets. Future plans include expanding offerings to provide solutions for a broader range of industries. “In the first stage, we will supply Mexican clients, but we are looking forward to develop the market all along South and Northern American potential customers.”
The press release said that this initiative “will pave the way for our expansion in this region.” It notes that it follows the successful operations of company production units in Serbia, Morocco and Portugal. Cabopol Sales Director Anselmo Mendes said that the Monterrey plant “marks a pivotal moment for (us). ... We are excited to better serve our customers and contribute to the growth of the local economy.”
Madem-Moorecraft Reels USA recently opened its second manufacturing plant in Denton, Texas, USA, with an opening ceremony attended by a range of elected officials as well as customers, suppliers and shareholders.
A press release said that the completed first phase of the new Denton plant increases Madem-Moorecraft total current production capacity by 50% (150 truckloads of kits/month). Next year, phase two will be completed, providing an additional 50% capacity increase. The total investment will top $14 million and create more than 100 jobs. Madem-Moorecraft currently supplies wood and plywood reels to 42 cable manufacturing plants in the U.S.
Marcos Conde Ramalho, president of Madem-Moorecraft Reels USA, said that the new plant represents the company’s most advanced industrial engineering project. “This manufacturing system is made up of innovative machinery, and brings pride to the Madem-Moorecraft team and Madem Group worldwide. It all has been designed to deliver unparalleled wooden and plywood reel experience to the North American cable industry.”
“The Denton team is very excited for the future of this facility. We could not have done this without the support from the Tarboro North Carolina team and the Madem Group team in Brazil!” said Josh McCoy, general manager of Madem-Moorecraft Reels USA.
Expanding the assembly and distribution network is a key to the company’s future, said Stephen J. Redhage, vice president and general manager. “Having two manufacturing plants provides that foundation.”
The Madem Group is a world leader in wooden reel manufacturing, supplying more than 200 cable manufacturers in some 45 countries. It has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, USA, Spain and Bahrain.
A joint venture between NKT HV Cables AB—part of the NKT Group—and Walsin Lihwa recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a submarine cable plant in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The factory will produce high- and medium-voltage AC offshore power cables, mainly for the Taiwanese offshore wind market.
A press release said that the JV, to be called Walsin Energy Cable System Co., Ltd., is expected to be completed in 2025, and fully operational in 2027, at which time it will be Taiwan’s first such cable plant. Located in the Phase One area of the Kaohsiung Intercontinental Container Terminal, the submarine cable plant will have a site area of 233,888 sq m and 59,828 sq m of building area. The plant will produce high-voltage export and inter array cables for offshore wind turbine power generation.
The partnership pairs the resources of the NKT Group, which has advanced submarine cable technologies, with Walsin Lihwa, an industrial conglomerate whose production includes a wide range of power cables and wire. Established in 1966, Walsin Lihwa Corporation has more than 10,000 employees across Taiwan, China, USA, Italy, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is based in Taipei, Taiwan.
“Local production ensures a steady supply of submarine cables, a critical component for the development of offshore wind power generation industry, and of strategic importance to Taiwan’s grid resilience,” said Walsin Lihwa Chairman Yu-Lon Chiao, who observed that the collaboration “marks a significant milestone in the development of Walsin Lihwa’s power cable business. Together, we intend to establish close relationships with our key customers, Taiwan wind power developers, as a preferred supplier of high quality and price competitive submarine cables.”
Will Hendrikx, COO and Deputy CEO of NKT, said that the company is honored to be a partner in the project. “With Walsin being a reputable and strong cable maker, combined with NKT’s experience in submarine cables, we see a great opportunity to establish a local champion for submarine cable production.”
Iowa Spring acquires Northeast SpringIowa Spring has acquired Northeast Spring of Reading, Pennsylvania, a family owned-and-operated business that has supplied custom-made springs for more than 25 years.
A press release said that the acquisition, which closed Sept. 15, expands Iowa Spring’s growing presence as the premier supplier of precision-made springs for the overhead door, construction, agriculture, and recreational equipment industries across the globe.
“I am so proud to be able to offer a place for Northeast Spring’s legacy to continue,” said Iowa Spring CEO Tim Bianco. Northeast Spring primarily serves the overhead door industry, with operations at its headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania, and its facility in Villa Rica, Georgia. The company name and management team will remain intact with founder John O’Leary remaining onboard for the next three years.
Northeast Spring makes custom springs from .080 to .625 wire range including 302/304 stainless steel, music wire, chrome silicon, oil tempered wire and hard drawn wire.
“With so many spring companies being acquired by large private equity groups, it was essential to me to find a like-minded buyer that could be trusted to keep our team intact and who could uphold our company’s legacy and reputation,” O’Leary said. “Our team has worked tirelessly for more than two decades to build a highly respected company that is focused on family values, quality and integrity. Iowa Spring is a perfect match.”
Iowa Spring President & CEO Tim Bianco will oversee operations of Northeast Spring in addition to its three existing facilities: the original Iowa Spring facility, its recent 55,000-sq-ft nearby expansion facility, and its sister company, Southern Atlantic Spring, in Granite Quarry, North Carolina. The companies’ combined capabilities will position the Iowa Spring group to provide a wide depth and breadth of high quality, custom manufactured springs while maintaining a “customer-centric” focus, he said.
India’s STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd.) announced the official launch of its new manufacturing facility in Lugoff, South Carolina, a $56 million investment that will serve the growing demand for optical fiber cable.
A press release said that the 168,000-sq-ft factory—referred to as the “Palmetto Plant,” after the state tree— represents STL’s commitment to “Made in America.” It is the company’s first such manufacturing plant in the U.S., employing more than 150 people. The site was inaugurated by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and lauded by STL Managing Director and Whole Time Director Ankit Agarwal.
Paul Atkinson, CEO of STL’s Optical Business Division, told WJI that the project—which had not been previously announced—is STL’s first such production site in the U.S. The company, he noted, has been serving the U.S. market for many years through its global production facilities, with some local value add in the years past.
“This facility mirrors our ethos and STL’s larger purpose: Transforming Billions of Lives by Connecting the World,” Atkinson said. “I am excited to see its impact on America’s rural connectivity and digital landscape.”
The plant will serve the market demand generated by 5G, FTTx, and the push for rural broadband, specializing in future-ready optical solutions, including high fiber count cables with smaller diameters. The focus will extend to pioneering designs, notably high-capacity ribbonized cables and ruggedized designs for rural deployments. Listed on Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India, STL is active in more than 150 countries and holds many patents.
Of note, STL has partnered with TruVista, also based in South Carolina, manufacturing and building fiber networks “for South Carolina from South Carolina.” Since 2021, STL has provided optical fiber cables to TruVista, a 125-year-old provider of broadband services and applications—that has been active expanding fiber optic connectivity across rural South Carolina. Fittingly, “TruVista even provides fiber connectivity to STL’s Optical Fiber Cable facility in South Carolina, highlighting the collaborative nature of this partnership. Looking ahead, STL is working toward growing this partnership further to continue rural FTTH deployment in South Carolina and beyond.”
Outside the U.S., STL operates manufacturing facilities in six different locations in India. That includes one plant that was the first optical fiber cable plant in India to receive zero waste to landfill certification.
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