Spanish acquisition springboards B3 to number 3 in the world

B3 Cable Solutions (B3)(www.b3cables.co.uk) today announced they have entered into exclusive negotiations with Nexans (www.nexans.com) to purchase their telecommunications and railway signalling cable business in Santander, Spain. The deal is expected to complete at the end of Quarter 1 2008, subject to due diligence and finalisation of the necessary agreements and approvals. On completion B3 will become the third largest manufacturer of metallic telecommunication cable in the world and the largest outside the USA market.

 

This deal would represent the fourth acquisition by the Group since the beginning of 2006 and makes B3 the fastest growing cable manufacturer in the world. This acquisition follows hard on the heels of the B3’s announcement in November 2007 that it had agreed to purchase UM Cables Ltd, one of India’s leading manufacturers of optical fibre and copper telecom cables employing 140 people and with a turnover of $60M. The Manchester and Ireland acquisitions carried out in 2006 were the first milestones in B3’s strategy of building a successful company through a combination of organic growth and acquisition.

 

The modern and well equipped operation in Santander serves high profile telecommunications companies across mainland Europe. It employs approximately 340 people for 75M€ of turnover and 29M€of capital employed. Significantly for B3, the business also has an impressive rail company client list and the acquisition of the business will enable B3 to further grow its market share in the rail cabling sector.

 

Steve Ellis, Managing Director at B3 is excited by this acquisition, “The acquisition of the Santander business is a significant development for the Group and further demonstrates our commitment to growth through selective acquisition. Our UK and Ireland operations are established as service providers to energy and telecommunications businesses in the UK, this acquisition will strengthen and expand our customer base across mainland Europe. It is also strategically important to us as it further diversifies our addressable markets through Santander’s strong position in the railways signalling market.”

 

B3 will make a further announcement upon of completion of the sale.

– ends –

Notes to Editors:

B3 Cable Solutions

http://www.b3cables.com    

B3 Cable Solutions delivers world-class cable products and supply solutions to the global telecommunications, energy and rail infrastructure markets. 

The company operates world-class cable manufacturing facilities in the UK and Ireland.  B3 Cable Solutions works in partnership with its customers and stakeholders to deliver cost-effective products alongside supply and logistic solutions that are tailored to the needs of individual customers. This combination of capabilities is unique.

Client Contact: Steve Ellis, Managing Director Tel: 0161 740 9151 Email: steve.ellis@b3cables.co.uk

Agency Contact: Catherine Dhanjal, TheAnswer Ltd Tel: 01883 650434 or 0794 166 9925 Email: catherine.dhanjal@theansweruk.com

Aker Kvaerner secures framework contract with INEOS Manufacturing in Germany

Aker Kvaerner secures framework contract with INEOS Manufacturing in Germany

Aker Kvaerner Germany GmbH has signed a three-year agreement with INEOS Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH to provide engineering services for plants located in Cologne and Marl, Germany. The scope of the agreement covers engineering and design, project management and control services. Procurement, and construction management services, including the coordination and management of subcontractors, are also included in the agreement, as are expediting, quality control, scheduling, process supervision and HSE support.   “Aker Kvaerner is very pleased to continue this strong partnership with INEOS. The new framework contract reflects the value INEOS places in the quality of our services and a high degree of satisfaction from our ongoing relationship. The contract is a true recognition of our innovative approach to partnering. This latest award also supports our goals for continued growth and development of Aker Kvaerner in Germany,” says Kay Radtke, Unit Manager for Aker Kvaerner Germany GmbH.   INEOS is a leading global manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products. It comprises 19 businesses each with a major chemical company heritage. Its production network spans 73 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries throughout the world.

Dream product’ makes its debut at Middle East Electricity

Visitors to Middle East Electricity will be the first in the region to see Marshall-Tufflex’s revolutionary new development, the MT32 Power Connection System. The 32amp system is a dream solution for those planning or maintaining all manner of buildings, since it allows fast-track, error-free installation of complete cabling runs from the power source to the final outlet.

MT32 comes in three versions:

* A flexible cabling system. This takes power cabling through trunking to a plug & play connection in pre-wired, pre-tested accessory boxes. The three or four pole male and female mechanically keyed compact connectors click together and cannot be installed incorrectly.

* An underfloor system. Floor boxes are supplied pre-wired and pre-tested with male and female connectors. Power can be fed from the distribution unit or powertrack via flexible leads available in a variety of lengths. This system is particularly suited to irregular lay-outs and the supply feed can be daisy chained to additional boxes.

* A dry-lining system. This takes cabling to fast-fit, pre-wired, pre-tested boxes installed in dry wall board up to 32mm thickness. Boxes feature a wide securing flange around the outer rim assisting in alignment and positioning and also incorporate fire and sound proofing barrier pads.

Because MT32 is ‘plug-and-play’, there is no need for on-site wiring, reducing installation times by up to 80%. For example, electrical contractors using the flexible cabling configuration can cut installation from 20 minutes to five minutes or under by using MT32, delivering potentially huge cost savings on larger projects, for example call-centres.

The system can be easily reconfigured or stripped out and re-used, adding another benefit for price-conscious clients and those wishing to reduce construction waste.

A Marshall-Tufflex spokesman said: “MT32 is a safe, fast-track system that demands less site time yet delivers higher integrity systems at a lower cost. It removes the margin for error, and the sheer speed at which the system can be installed makes deadlines more achievable and offers significant time and cost savings to contractors. MT32 puts an end to on-site wiring preparation, delivering safe, error-free connections that make circuit-testing a formality.

“The MT32 Power Connection System also lends itself to off-site modular building, POD building, exhibition construction and many other applications. It is, quite simply, a revolutionary prospect for an electrical industry looking at ways to meet the shortages of skilled labour, spiralling costs and increased safety standards.”

MT32 was launched into the UK market last year to much acclaim from electrical contractors, building services designers and those responsible for facilities management. The system is eminently suitable for an international market and can interact with virtually any wiring system. MT32 is compatible with Marshall-Tufflex’s new three-compartment trunking system, Odyssey, which will also be displayed at the show, and with the company’s Sterling Trunking range.

Odyssey breaks the mould of cable management systems by offering a completely curved profile, delivering a futuristic look that matches perfectly with modern buildings.

Odyssey looks good and is fast and straight forward to install, with a clip-on lid action allowing the trunking to follow any surface irregularity. This delivers the amazingly smooth lines that have become Odyssey’s trademark.

Other Marshall-Tufflex products on show at Middle East Electricity include:

• MT Supertube – an LSOH conduit that provides excellent EMC/EMI screening performance, especially at higher frequencies. MT Supertube is flexible and an excellent alternative to galvanised steel conduit, with fast installation times that offer reduced labour costs. Also available is MT Supertube FR Plus for more demanding fire performance requirements.

• SnakeWay – a steel support system for cabling that can be bent by hand. Available in different versions, including floor, wall and hanging systems, SnakeWay allows cabling to be laid without the need to thread it between pairs of suspension rods. Bends can be moulded for compliancy to any Category standard.

• PowerPoles & PowerPosts – an ideal cable management solution for those seeking clean, uncluttered lines within commercial premises. PowerPoles and PowerPosts deliver services from raised floor or ceiling voids to island locations. They are especially suitable for glass-walled offices where trunking is not a practical option.

• Sterling trunking – a tried and tested, reliable range of multi-compartment cable management systems.

Marshall-Tufflex is a market-leading cable management solutions provider skilled in delivering high-quality products in aluminium, steel, GRP and PVC-U, as well as bespoke solutions through its Specialised Applications team.

For further information, visit Marshall-Tufflex at stand number 2E29 of Middle East Electricity or see http://www.marshall-tufflex.com

Northwire introduces flex-tested Camera Link® cable – Passes 17 million flex cycles

Northwire, Inc., a leading manufacturer of cables for industrial networking, has introduced a line of cable for Camera Link applications. In testing for flexion, Northwire’s standard Camera Link cable passes 17 million cycles.   The Northwire Camera Link cable line includes standard cable and Power Over Camera Link (PoCL)—Camera Link cable with power transmission capabilities. PoCL is available for Standard Camera Link or Mini Camera Link (MiniCL) assemblies. MiniCL uses a smaller connector than traditional Camera Link but incorporates the same hardware and software protocols.   Northwire’s standard and PoCL Camera Link cables feature 28 AWG conductors and meet the requirements of Appendix D and Appendix E of the Camera Link specification.   Northwire Camera Link cable uses Northwire EnduroFLEX® blended elastomer jacketing material for rugged industrial and outdoor environments. The cable is suitable for applications that require abrasion resistance, flame resistance, high- and low-temperature stability (a high temperature rating of 105 degrees Celsius and brittle point of -50 degrees Celsius), sunlight/UV resistance and water resistance.   For information or a sample, contact Northwire at 1-800-468-1516 or +1 715-294-2121, or at http://www.northwire.com/pocl.   Camera Link cable follows a high-speed serial communication protocol that is based on the National Semiconductor Interface Channel Link. Camera Link was created for vision applications to help standardize video products that includes cameras, cables and frame grabbers.   Northwire, Inc. is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of industrial-grade technical cable. Custom design choices include paired, non-paired, triads, various shielding and grounding options, special insulation options, and a variety of conductor and jacket materials and colors.   # # #   Northwire, Inc. 110 Prospect Way Osceola, WI 54020 1-800-468-1516 +1 715-294-2121 http://www.northwire.com/pocl   Please send any leads generated from this press release to Tes Olson at tes.olson@northwire.com

Habia Cable further enhances its market leading Flexiform coaxial cables

Global cable Manufacturer Habia Cable further enhances its market leading range of Flexiform coaxial cables with the introduction of Flexiform L versions that offer a reduced insertion loss over the standard Flexiform range. Flexiform is a re-formable alternative to traditional semi-rigid cable. Because it can be stripped and formed by hand without the need for special and often expensive tooling associated with traditional semi-rigid cable it also provides a cost effective alternative. Handling is similar to any standard coaxial cable, which means you can use existing cut and strip machines.   Frequently used within cellular base station antennas, the new ‘L’ versions give the opportunity for antenna manufacturers to incorporate the cable into cellular base station designs and offer antennas providing enhanced call quality. By introducing a profiled low loss dielectric, Flexiform 401 L and Flexiform 402 L coaxial cables give a 7% reduction in attenuation over the standard Flexiform range whilst maintaining the outstanding shielding qualities.   A range of impedance options are available together with non magnetic conductor types, various screening options and jacket colours as well as a wide range of material alternatives. Flexiform 401 L and Flexiform 402 L offer a phase stable product with little dimensional trade-off and no additional cost implication. As with the standard product, a range of different impedances can be provided if required. Designed to operate from -65 to 180 °C the cables are manufactured with a silver plated copper conductor, profile extruded PTFE jacket, tin soaked tin plated copper braid and the option of Fluoropolymer (FJ) or Halogen free Jackets (HFJ). Flexiform L is also available in a range of alternative colours.   “Flexiform 401L and Flexiform 402L offer a phase stable product with little dimensional trade-off and no additional cost implication compared to our standard range together with a range of different impedance options if required” commented Brian Dempster, Market Manager for RF & Communications at Habia Cable”.   Established in 1941, Habia Cable is a global innovator in the design and manufacture of high performance wire and cable for the telecom, defence, power and industrial markets. The company has a global focus and sales in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Hendrix offers news voltage cable

Milford, N.H.-based Hendrix Wire & Cable, a provider of overhead and underground power distribution products, is offering a 34.5 kV TRXLP-insulated medium voltage cable for applications in the wind power industry. The 34.5 kV cable is available in aluminum or copper conductor, full- and reduced-concentric neutral and in customer-specified cut-lengths.   Hendrix offers various supply solutions for 34.5 kV cable based on the delivery cycle that best meets customer needs. Traditional buy-sell delivery methods are available if desired, however, if a more tailored delivery method is necessary, Hendrix will collaborate with customers and develop a delivery method that is best suited to the client’s demand profile, according to the company.   A traditional contractual agreement is available for long-term clients offering a variety of supply options including, but not limited to, a capacity-plan option that allows customers to schedule delivery of varying amounts of cable during a specified period of time to match demand, and a rapid-cycle delivery option that allows clients to place orders on an as-needed basis for delivery within two weeks.

General Cable announces first offshore windfarm contract award from Norddeutsche Seekablewerke GmbH

General Cable Corporation (NYSE:BGC) reported today that its subsidiary, Norddeutsche Seekablewerke GmbH (NSW), has been awarded its first submarine power contract by BARD Engineering GmbH, for more than $30 million related to the construction of BARD Offshore 1. BARD Offshore 1 is a 400 megawatt wind farm consisting of 80 wind turbines that will be located north-west of the Isle of Borkum in the North Sea.

BARD Offshore 1 is the first commercial wind farm to be located in the North Sea and is expected to be completed in 2010. NSW will produce approximately 66 miles of power cable for the infield infrastructure portion of the project which will harness the electricity generated by the turbines for transmission back to shore. The field will be located in water 75 miles offshore with a depth of approximately 130 feet. “We believe that the North Sea will be an area of high growth for wind power generation due to its ideal conditions of high sustainability of wind and shallow waters, key factors allowing for efficient use of the turbines and for anchoring the windmill towers. With its long history and experience in submarine cabling systems, NSW is ideally positioned to take advantage of this high growth opportunity,” said Valentin Jug, Chairman of NSW.

General Cable acquired NSW in April 2007 and began an investment program to expand the capability of the facility to include submarine power cables and repeatered submarine telecommunications cable. NSW is located on a tributary of the North Sea, with its own deep-sea pier. The Company believes that once the expansion of NSW is completed, it will be well positioned to address all aspects of submarine cable needs for the expanding offshore wind farm market.

NSW, headquartered in Nordenham, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of submarine fiber optic communications and offshore power cables serving customers all over the world. For more information about NSW, please visit our website at http://www.nsw.de.

General Cable is a global leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for the energy, industrial, and communications markets. Visit our website at http://www.generalcable.com.

Certain statements in this press release, including without limitation, statements regarding future financial results and performance, plans and objectives, capital expenditures and the Company’s or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those statements as a result of factors, risks and uncertainties over which the Company has no control. Such factors, risks, and uncertainties are more fully discussed in the Company’s Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2007, as well as periodic reports filed with the Commission.

Pipe Networks approves US$200 million cable to Guam

Pipe Networks approves US$200 million cable to Guam

THE Queensland telecom Pipe Networks has given the go-ahead for a $200 million undersea cable between Sydney and Guam, amid surging growth in internet broadband. The entry of a third player into the cable market in Australia, as Pipe Networks takes on Telstra and Southern Cross Cables – which is owned by Telecom New Zealand, Singapore Telecommunications and the US carrier Verizon – is expected to lead to cheaper access prices for internet service providers. But it remains to be seen whether the providers will pass on the lower costs to consumers in the form of reduced internet prices. Yesterday Pipe Networks revealed the industry’s worst-kept secret when it announced it had enough contracts with customers, including iiNet, Primus and Internode, to approve the construction of a 6900-kilometre cable. The cable will also be connected to Madang, in Papua New Guinea. Its main trunk will deliver 1.92 terabits of data a second. The use of undersea cables is one of internet service providers’ biggest costs because so much content is transferred across the Pacific. In the past two years traffic volume has soared due to an insatiable appetite for such internet phenomena as social networking sites and video sharing. The cable will increase capacity on links from Australia by 30 to 40 per cent. It is expected to be completed by late 2009.   Pipe Networks described it as vital to break the “stranglehold the gang of four have on Australia”. The Minister for Communications, Stephen Conroy, has been mindful of the need for more capacity because analysts say it is pointless building a fibre-optic network in Australia if there is a bottleneck in cables to the rest of the world. An ABN Amro analyst, Ian Martin, said yesterday that the entry of Pipe would lead to greater price competition, although traffic on the cable was likely to “fill up reasonably quickly given the expectations of growth in broadband”. Although Southern Cross Cables might lose some business in the short term, Mr Martin said “whatever Pipe takes away will be made up fairly quickly”. Telstra announced early last year that it would lay a 9000-kilometre undersea data cable between Sydney and Hawaii. It is due to be completed by the middle of this year and will be wholly owned by Telstra. Southern Cross is also in the midst of an upgrade to double its capacity to 860 gigabits a second by the end of the year. Its cables connect Australia, New Zealand and Fiji to the mainland US. The West Australian telecom iiNet said its 15-year agreement with Pipe Networks for capacity on the cable would result in a significant saving in international bandwidth costs. Shares in Pipe Networks rose more than 3 per cent, or 14 cents, to $4.54 yesterday.