Neelkanth Cable Manufacturing LLC recently inaugurated its new plant in Dubai Industrial City that will make low-voltage, medium-voltage, conductors and instrumentation cables.

A press release said that Neelkanth Cable’s new 500,000 sq-ft plant in the UAE represents “a significant milestone in its journey beyond Africa.” Founded in 2015 and based in Zambia, Neelkanth Cables (headquartered in Zambia) has marketed to industry sectors in the Southern, Central and East African regions, while steadily making inroads into the rest of Africa. At its website, the company notes that it has gained a leading role. “Over the years, we have acquired more than 50% market share in the domestic market for low-voltage and medium-voltage cables.”

The new plant, with a workforce of about 200, has the capacity to produce 13,000 metric tons of copper cable and 7,000 metric tons of aluminum cable. The output will serve sectors such as power transmission and distribution, oil, gas, petroleum, construction, infrastructure, packaging, and specialized industries like fertilizer, cement, steel, chemical, metals and mining,

“We are committed to supporting the local community and the economic ecosystem of the UAE, intending to proudly contribute to Dubai’s growth and development for years to come,” said Neelkanth Cables Manufacturing LLC COO Sanjeev Dubey. “Dubai Industrial City was our first choice for the new facility due to its strategic location close to major transportation hubs facilitating efficient logistics and distribution, its modern infrastructure providing a conducive environment for various industrial activities, and excellent support services including business set-up assistance, licensing, and approvals.”

Belden, a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions, has officially opened the company’s new state-of-the-art Fiber Technology Center (FTC) in Tucson, Arizona.

A press release said that the 300,000-sq-ft facility will serve as a multifunctional hub where Belden’s fiber experts lead optical fiber cable and connectivity innovation, research and development. It will also support warehousing, distribution, administration and manufacturing as the company continues to grow its optical fiber capabilities.

The FTC will amplify the work being done in the company’s existing fiber facilities and test labs around the world, including eight manufacturing plants and two research and development sites. It is located close to airports, freight terminals and logistics hubs as well as to the University of Arizona and the area’s talented tech workforce.

The FTC will streamline and strengthen Belden’s supply chain and increase production of U.S.-based optical fiber manufacturing while connecting qualified engineers to new career opportunities. Advantages include quicker access to products on the West Coast, FiberExpress fiber assemblies made and shipped in two to five business days; same-day shipping on some products; and prototyping capabilities.

“As Belden continues to expand fiber production and innovation to help customers build the future, the Fiber Technology Center will allow us to elevate our work and find new ways to respond to customer demand,” said Jay Wirts, executive vice president of enterprise solutions at Belden. “Belden is becoming synonymous with fiber systems.”

Numesh held a grand opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting event on May 14 to celebrate the company’s official opening of its plant in Cainsville, in the county of Brant, part of Canada’s Ontario province.

A press release said that the existing facility was upgraded and received the latest technology and equipment. Numesh invested some $40 million in the initiative. The upgrades will help the company meet increasing demands and serve customers across Ontario, Western Canada, and the North Central U.S. There are currently more than 50 employees at this location.

Per Numesh, the company, founded in 1975 in Laval, Quebec, is the largest Canadian manufacturer of welded steel wire and wire mesh used for concrete reinforcement. They have invested approximately $40 million to expand to this second location.

Numesh President Mathieu Seguin told those in attendance that the Cainsville facility is a testament to the company’s vision, innovation, and commitment to the construction industry in Canada. “It represents the culmination of months, even years of meticulous planning, hard work, and determination,” said Seguin. “I am excited to share that this new plant signifies a substantial investment and commitment to the future. We have not only erected a cutting-edge facility but also set the stage for our growth.

“Thank you to Numesh for investing in the County of Brant,” said Cainsville Mayor David Bailey. “Their commitment not only creates job opportunities for skilled workers but also contributes positively to our local economy.”

Prysmian reports that it has agreed to a long-term contract with Aurubis—a global provider of nonferrous metals and the largest copper recycler worldwide—for the supply of copper wire rod.

A press release said that the agreement will see Aurubis provide a significant and incremental year-over-year volume of copper wire rod. It noted that Aurubis is the largest European vertically integrated manufacturer of copper wire rod. The pact will cover the needed supply of copper wire rod, particularly for Prysmian’s European plants, ensuring coverage of the current business and growth prospects.

“Our companies are connected by their strong commitment to integrating sustainability in our business strategies and our role as enablers of the energy transition and digitalization process,” said Prysmian Chief Purchasing Officer, Laura Colli.

The partnership is in line with Prysmian’s ambition to be a global player with a leading role in the challenges of decarbonization. Prysmian is committed to an overall net-zero target along the entire value chain by 2050 and to reducing Scope 3 emissions by 28% by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline. Prysmian has also publicly disclosed an ambitious target related to the share of recycled copper content, with the goal of reaching 15-16% by 2025.

Aurubis is pursuing a dedicated sustainability strategy and is committed to becoming carbon neutral well before 2050. The multimetal company produces copper with less than half the global average carbon emissions and intends to further reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% per ton of copper cathodes by 2030. The company offers comprehensive value chain solutions for the circular economy and produces rod with almost 40% less CO2 than the global average.

“This contract stems from a more than 25-year strategic partnership between Prysmian and Aurubis distinguished by best-in-class performance when it comes to sustainability, product, delivery timing, and quality of service in the supply of a raw material that is becoming increasingly important for the future of Prysmian’s business growth,” said Martin Sjoberg, SVP Commercial at Aurubis.

Citing current market forces and a surge in imported steel, Liberty Steel reported on April 19 that it is temporarily ceasing production of wire rod.

An announcement said that some 50 of the 79 employees at the facility in Georgetown, South Carolina would be laid off. The statement said that a flood of imports had led to decreased rod prices that made operations unprofitable. The company will continue to make steel mesh and welded steel products at the mill.

“Unfortunately, market forces are working against us in the rod market with the increase in imports and significant pressure on transportation costs,” declared Pieter Vanderwesthuizen, Liberty’s chief operating officer, in a written statement. “We fully intend to bring the rod mill back up as soon as it makes financial sense to do so. “We remain committed to the long-term viability of our Georgetown facility and continue to invest in the business,” he said.