A U.S. jury has awarded Prysmian $96,500,000 in damages from Sterlite Technologies, Inc., a business of India’s Sterlite Technologies Lt. (STL), for violations of trade secrets related to a former Prysmian executive who joined the company.

A press release said that on Aug. 6, at the end of a three-week trial, a U.S. District Court jury in Columbia, South Carolina, found in favor of Prysmian. Sterlite and Szymanski had denied wrong-doing.

In its June 2021 lawsuit, Prysmian had accused a former key executive, Stephen Szymanski, of providing Prysmian’s trade secrets to STL. The jury also awarded Prysmian $200,000 from Szymanski, who ran the company’s optical fiber cable business in North America before going to Sterlite, a direct competitor, in August 2020.

“At trial, Prysmian ultimately proved that Sterlite had taken thousands and thousands of pages of Prysmian’s confidential information and trade secrets,” the release said, noting that those included information about Prysmian’s customers, newest products and plans to expand its manufacturing plants. “Much of the information was found in the possession of not just Szymanski and Sterlite, but also in the possession of executives at Sterlite’s global headquarters in Pune, India.”

“This case came down to the basic principle of right versus wrong, and we are pleased that the jury came to this decision,” said Prysmian North America CEO Andrea Pirondini. “We will not stand still when it comes to defending our confidential information and trade secrets, competing fairly in the marketplace, and doing right by our customers.”

“Prysmian has a longstanding reputation for our quality products and our commitment to delivering innovative solutions in the telecommunications space,” said Patrick Jacobi, Prysmian North America Telecom senior vice president. “Securing a win in this case is a step in the right direction.”

On Sept. 16, 2023, STL, which is active in more than 150 countries, inaugurated its first U.S. cable manufacturing plant in Lugoff, South Carolina. Its focus is high fiber count cables with small diameters.  

In an STL statement, Managing Director Ankit Agarwal said that the company remains committed to serving customers in America. “We do not intend for this verdict to interrupt our plans to grow our U.S. presence. As a company, we uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

We believe the verdict is not supported by the testimony and evidence presented at the trial and intend to appeal and vigorously pursue all available post-trial remedies.”

Orlando Precision announced that it has acquired Gifford Spring Company, a family business located in Garland, Texas.

A press release said that Gifford Spring serves the aerospace, telecommunication and industrial sectors, with products that include compression springs, tapered springs, torsion and double torsion springs, extension springs and wire forms, as well as rod forming. The deal represents the first acquisition for Orlando Precision outside of its base state of California.

 “The acquisition broadens our geographic footprint, allowing us to better serve markets and customers located in Texas and throughout the south, including central Mexico,” said Frank Mauro, president of Orlando Precision. He said that it also valuable capabilities to his company’s overall capacity to innovate, deliver services and achieve strategic goals.

Founded in 1984 by Ralph Gifford in his garage with one machine “and a handful of customers,” the company quickly grew. Per the Gifford Spring website, one key to that growth was that it used secondary operational step-saving machines that Ralph Gifford designed and built using pneumatic and electronic technology and components. During this early period of dynamic growth, Ralph Gifford introduced electronic gauging and sorting on automatic spring coiling machines to the Dallas manufacturing community.

South Korea’s LS Cable & System (LS C&S) reportedly is interested in opening a plant to manufacture optical cables in Turkmenistan.

Per a posted report that cites the online publication SNG.TODAY, representatives held video negotiations with the Turkmenaragatnashyk Agency, which has the authority to conclude contracts. The discussion was about the supply and creation of optical cable production in Turkmenistan. It included discussion of needs from the construction of the “smart” city of Arkadag, fully based on advanced infrared and green technologies.

The parties agreed on further contacts and discussed the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding, as well as organizing a visit of the Turkmen delegation to the LS plant in South Korea.

The report said that the negotiations were attended by representatives of the sales and production departments of optical cables LS C&S, as well as the deputy chairman and head of the infrastructure development group of the Turkmenaragatnashyk Agency. The meeting was held in video conference format. The report notes that a prior online meeting was held in September 2023.

Aurora Material Solutions reports that it recently completed the previously announced expansion of its Streetsboro, Ohio, facility.

A press release said that the expansion further extends Aurora’s capabilities in thermoplastic compounding of rigid PVCs, rigid PVC alloys and CPVC. The expansion adds over 140 million pounds of compounding capacity, creates new jobs, and supports Aurora’s continued growth with customer partners. It produces the AuroraGuard™ lines of thermoplastic polyolefins that provide high-heat, low-smoke zero-halogen and flame-retardant properties and its AuroraFlex™ line of flexible PVC compounds.

In March, Aurora Plastics became Aurora Material Solutions. With the new name, Aurora also embraced its first brand statement in its 27-year history: “People. Partners. Possibilities.”

Alphagary, a division of Orbia’s Polymer Solutions, will now market the ESCONTEL semi-conductive compound product lines from India’s Shakun Polymers Private Limited (Shakun) in North America as well as provide funding to expand its capacity and optimize its processes.

A press release said that Shakun became part of the Orbia family in May 2021, and its products continued to be sold in India and other countries. Now, Alphagary will market them in the Americas. The plan for product expansion will enable Shakun to grow its capacity from 35,000 TPA to almost 100,000 TPA. None of Shakun compounds will be made in the U.S., and while the plan is for the Shakun to be sent to North America, ESCONTEK is available to ship to Central America if requested.

A direct complement to Alphagary’s specialty product offerings that support a connected world, Shakun’s product development focus is on halogen-free, flame-retardant compounds and PVC-based compounds for data and power cables. Its semi-conductive and cross-linkable compounds expand Alphagary’s portfolio, offer a growth platform and meet customer requirements.

ESCONTEK compounds meet several industry standard requirements (when processed using sound material handling, extrusion, and cross-linking practices) including UL 1072, ANSI/ICEA, AEIC, IEC, BS, and others.

AZ Wire & Cable announced the acquisition of Gen-Pro, a provider of generator-related products such as generator installation cable.

A press release said that the strategic acquisition further enhances AZ Wire & Cable’s position as a one-stop solution for electrical distribution needs. The acquisition of Gen-Pro, based in Gig Harbor, Washington, will allow AZ Wire & Cable to expand its product offerings to include brands such as TCERDirect™ cable and accessories, SmoothStarter™ soft starters, and X-Riser™ gas risers.

NKT reports that construction has started on the company’s cable extrusion tower in Karlskrona, Sweden, for what it said will be the world’s largest factory for high-voltage offshore power cables.

A July 31st press release said that the slipform casting of concrete had started for the site’s third extrusion tower, which will become the second tallest tower in Sweden. Over the coming months, a truck per hour will supply concrete to the tower, ensuring its rapid ascent to 200 meters to stand as a landmark of NKT’s ongoing investments in production capacity and capabilities. “The beginning of the slip forming is a major milestone in the expansion of the factory in Karlskrona,” said Darren Fennell, executive vice president and head of HV Solutions Karlskrona in NKT. “The ongoing investments ... prepares us for the positive development we expect in the high-voltage power cable market.”

The extrusion tower is crucial in adding insulation to the high-voltage power cables produced at the Swedish facility. The construction of the tower is part of a larger investment program in NKT’s high-voltage power cable business, which also includes a second cable-laying vessel, set to be operational from 2027 alongside the factory expansion. As part of this growth, NKT plans to recruit over 500 new employees by 2027 and is on track with the hiring process in Karlskrona.

Following Prysmian’s recent acquisition of Encore Wire, the companies announced that they have  chosen a new combination of sales representatives for industrial/construction sectors.

A press release said that the 28 agencies include: AJB Sales; Apex Electrical Sales, Inc.; Arthur A. Boyle, Inc.; Callas Kingsley Electrical Sales; Cascade Western;  Convergence Partners, Inc.; ESP (Electrical Specified Products); Enhanced Electrical Sales; Gallagher Sales Associates, Inc.; Gen-Mark; Gorin-Cockrell-Decker; Gumersell Cashdan, Inc.: Healy-Mattos: Interwest Electric Sales; Joe Bertsch Electrical Sales Company.; L.P. Chick Company, Inc.; McCreary Sales.; McDonough & Associates.; Meridian Electrical Sales.; Power Corp.; Power Corp.; Schaeffer Marketing Group, Inc.; Synergy Electrical Sales, Inc.; Vincent-Angel, Inc.; and Wire Core Sales.

“Prysmian and Encore believe these agencies bring strength and expertise, ensuring both companies continue to deliver top-quality products and services to customers,” the release said. For information about specific coverage areas, contact Prysmian’s Industrial and Construction Team at tel. 800-243-8020.

Italy’s Tratos Cavi Spa (Tratos) reports that it has acquired Telnet and all shares of AFL Telecommunications Europe Ltd. (AFL TE), a subsidiary of AFL Telecommunications LLC (AFL).

A press release said that Telnet, a Spanish manufacturer founded in 1996, provides fiber optic cables, antennas, passive components and GPON equipment to regions in Europe, South America and Asia. The business unit was acquired in a judicial process that prevented its closing and saved more than 100 direct jobs.

The purchase by Tratos unlocks the potential of Telnet’s fiber optic cable and passive optical component division. “Telnet completely cleaned up its balance sheet and reversed the trend of operational deterioration, significantly improving profitability, with a turnover of approximately €20 million.”

A press release said that the AFL purchase includes all fiber optic cable product lines for the power utility, rail, and oil and gas markets, including the SkyWrap® attached fiber optic solution for overhead power lines, ruggedized trackside fiber optic cables and subsea umbilical optic cable components.

The company will continue to operate in its recently expanded facility in Swindon, U.K. The acquisition will increase the Tratos footprint in the U.K., alongside its existing electrical cable facility in Knowsley.

Tratos CEO Elisabetta Bragagni Capaccin said that the addition of AFL TE’s product capabilities, staff technical expertise and EMEA sales team will strengthen Trato’s market position.

Jeff Schmerbeck, AFL’s vice-president of cable solutions, said that Tratos is a good synergistic match for the AFL Swindon facility. “This is exciting news for the European utility, renewables, and rail industries.”

Superior Essex, a global leader in the magnet wire and communication cables industry, announced the next stage in the company’s wire business.

As part of its recent buyout of Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire, the company will change its brand name to Essex Solutions. Under the new name, Essex Solutions will encompass all current Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire locations worldwide. Additionally, Essex Energy in Italy will now be included, further reinforcing the company’s global reach and capabilities. This integration will enable Essex Solutions to leverage the expertise and resources of all its locations, ensuring enhanced customer service and support.

To further strengthen operations, the related businesses Lacroix + Kress, IVA Insulations and Hi-Wire will join the Essex Solutions organization, while continuing to operate under their existing brand identity. This consolidation will enable better coordination and collaboration among the brands, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness.

During the transition period, customers and stakeholders may see materials bearing either the existing Essex Furukawa or the new Essex Solutions name. All changes are expected to be completed by April 30, 2025. A new Essex Solutions logo will be released in the near future. Superior Essex is the parent brand of Essex Solutions, Superior Essex Communications, IVA, Lacroix + Kress, Hi-Wire, and Essex Brownell. It has over 3,000 employees in 11 countries, on three continents.