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IWG acquires Hussey Copper

International Wire Group Holdings Inc. (IWG), one of the largest manufacturers of copper wire in the United States, announced the acquisition of Hussey Copper, a Pennsylvania-based producer of copper products for industrial and infrastructure markets.

A press release said that the deal consolidates two long-established names in copper manufacturing and signals IWG’s intent to expand its market share across North America. Founded in 1859, Hussey Copper is best known for its production of copper bus bars, sheet and plate products, which serve power generation, transmission, and industrial applications. The company operates facilities in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, and Eminence, Kentucky, and has long been recognized as one of the nation’s key domestic suppliers of copper plate and strip.

International Wire Group, headquartered in Camden, New York, manufactures bare, plated, and engineered wire products used in electrical infrastructure, automotive, aerospace, and industrial markets. The company operates more than a dozen facilities in the U.S., Poland, and Italy, and is known for its vertically integrated wire solutions. 

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U.K. wire manufacturer plans to open its 1st U.S. production plant in Virginia

WB Alloys, a U.K.-based wire alloy manufacturer, has announced plans to establish its first U.S. production facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion. The plant, located in Virginia, represents a $6.6 million investment and is expected to create 30 jobs.

A press release said that WB Alloys, founded in 1974, produces alloy wire for welding, designs weld monitoring systems, and develops equipment for additive manufacturing. The company currently operates seven facilities in the U.K. and one in the Middle East. The new Danville site will become its first in the U.S.

Company executives said that the move was designed to strengthen WB Alloys’ ability to serve the U.S. defense and advanced manufacturing sectors. The Virginia facility will primarily support the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense, which are expanding investment in domestic manufacturing capacity. “Opening our first U.S. facility is a strategic milestone,” said company spokesperson Richie Barker. “The market is growing quickly, and this positions us to serve American customers more efficiently while aligning with defense industry priorities.”

The company added that proximity to advanced manufacturing partners in Virginia—such as FasTech, Phillips Corporation and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research—was a critical factor in its location decision. WB Alloys already supplies FasTech with alloy products for 3D printing and machining, giving it a built-in customer and partner base in the U.S.

By localizing production, WB Alloys expects to reduce lead times and improve responsiveness to its American clients, particularly as defense supply chains move toward more resilient, domestic sourcing. Almost all of the 30 new roles will be filled by U.S. workers, with the potential to expand operations if demand grows.

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New cable manufacturing plant in Central Asia signals supply chain shift

A newly launched Uzbek-Tajik joint venture in Uzbekistan’s Fergana region demonstrates how emerging markets are transforming global supply chains and international investment—a development of increasing significance for U.S. industries and policymakers. With the U.S. elevating trade and investment in Central Asia, projects like this offer new sources of critical industrial materials while deepening economic ties across borders.

The new facility, named Osiyo Kabellari, is being established by Uzbek businesswoman Fatima Imomova and Tajik investor Shukhradzhan Ashurmatov as an entirely private greenfield venture. The plant, located in the Dangara district on a one-hectare site, is financed exclusively through $10 million in direct foreign investment, without public sector ownership or funding. Osiyo Kabellari is a purpose-built company formed specifically for this initiative, reflecting the region’s shift towards private-sector-led, cross-border industrial cooperation.

Set to begin operations by year’s end, the plant will boast an annual output capacity of 15,000 tons of copper wire and 1,700 tons of aluminum wire—products critical for infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing supply chains. Alongside production, the project is forecast to generate about 100 permanent jobs. Exports will be an important part of Osiyo Kabellari’s model, with the plant aiming to send up to $1 million of its wire products to neighboring CIS countries, especially Kyrgyzstan, in its first phase.

This joint venture reflects both countries’ broader goals: strengthening economic integration, expanding private sector opportunities, and diversifying the region’s export mix. For international observers—including the U.S.—such investments signal the potential for Central Asia to play a larger role as a reliable manufacturing and supply hub in the ever-evolving landscape of global trade and production.

Per Diplomatic Watch, Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing, most reform-minded economies in Central Asia, actively opening to foreign investment and global markets. U.S. trade with Uzbekistan is rising, with American investment in sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy reaching over $600 million in 2024—and growing connections between American and Uzbek companies.

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Marinus Link project gets final okay from government: Prysmian will supply cable

Marinus Link has received a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) from government stakeholders, clearing the way for construction of a major electricity interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria,

A press release said that Stage One construction is slated to begin in 2026 with completion targeted for 2030. The project will establish a second high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connection across Bass Strait, adding up to 1.5 GW of capacity via two 750 MW links. Stage One includes a 750 MW cable between Burnie, Tasmania, and Hazelwood, Victoria, made up of approximately 250 km of undersea cable and 90 km of underground cable. This stage will proceed in parallel with the first phase of the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) to reinforce Tasmania’s electrical grid.

Industry leaders have been selected for key components: Prysmian Group, through Prysmian PowerLink, will supply and install both the undersea and underground HVDC cables for Stage One. Hitachi Energy will supply the HVDC converter stations necessary for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) conversion.

Stage Two, planned to deliver an additional 750 MW, remains subject to market conditions, regulatory approval, and further development of dispatchable generation in Tasmania. This second phase is intended to roll out alongside NWTD’s later phase, but has yet to be contracted.

Marinus Link forms the centerpiece of the broader Project Marinus initiative, which includes supporting transmission infrastructure within Tasmania and operates alongside the existing Basslink interconnector. The project aims to tap Tasmania’s hydro and wind resources for export, bolstering reliability and flexibility in the National Electricity Market (NEM). According to TasNetworks and Marinus Link Pty Ltd, it will facilitate greater renewable integration, complement mainland grid modernization, and support Australia’s energy transition targets.

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Chinese company completes previously announced deal for Germany’s Leoni AG

Chinese electronics giant Luxshare-ICT has officially acquired German cable and wiring systems specialist Leoni AG, finalizing a transaction first announced last year.

A press release from Leoni AG said that the partnership between Luxshare-ICT and Stefan Pierer marks a key step in securing Leoni’s future growth and stability. Luxshare-ICT now holds a 50.1% stake in Leoni AG’s Wiring Systems Division, while its subsidiary TIME Interconnect has acquired 100% of the Automotive Cable Solutions (ACS) division, following all necessary approvals since the September 2024 agreement.

This deal enhances Leoni’s market access through Luxshare’s global customer network and enables ACS to expand in Europe and Asia. The combined strengths of Leoni and Luxshare will produce complementary products, drive vertical integration, and create supply chain efficiencies, while leveraging both firms’ automation expertise and global manufacturing networks.

Leoni’s CEO Klaus Rinnerberger noted that the partnership supports financial recovery and continued restructuring, with efforts underway to streamline operations and costs. “Our complementary portfolios, manufacturing strengths, and positive customer feedback prove that Leoni and Luxshare are an ideal match,” he said.

Per a Leoni LinkedIn posting, the deal brings “a time of transformations and new beginnings - not just in our business, but across our teams, our technology and our vision. ... (We look ahead) with confidence as we continue to innovate, collaborate and connect across the globe.”

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Taihan Cable wins big cable contract to supply offshore wind farm in South Korea

Taihan Cable & Solution has won a turnkey contract for the supply and installation of inter-array cables at the 532 MW Anma offshore wind farm in South Korea.

A press release said that the project, valued at approximately €113 million, calls for Taihan to oversee the entire turnkey process, including the design, manufacturing, transportation and installation of inter-array cables. All submarine cables will be produced at the recently completed Dangjin Submarine Cable Plant 1.

For cable-laying operations, Taihan will use PALOS, South Korea’s only cable-laying vessel (CLV). The CLV recently completed the installation of export cables at the 364.8 MW Yeonggwang Nakwol offshore wind farm.

Submarine Cable Plant 1 will supply both inter-array and export cables for the offshore wind market. As of July 16, Taihan has also approved investment in Submarine Cable Plant 2, which will be capable of producing 640 kV HVDC and 400 kV HVAC cables.

The 532 MW Anma offshore wind farm is planned to be built on the west coast of the Anma Archipelago in Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, covering an area of 83.9 million square meters. The wind farm was among five developments awarded a share of nearly 1.9 GW in offshore wind capacity by the South Korean government at the end of 2024.

The submarine cables that will connect Anma to the mainland will be supplied by LS Cable & System, while the cables will be installed by its subsidiary, LS Marine.

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U.K. manufacturer of knitted wire mesh invests in its Indian plant near New Delhi

KnitMesh Technologies, a U.K. manufacturer of knitted wire mesh solutions, reports that it has made a major investment at its manufacturing facility near New Delhi, India that it opened in 2023.

Per the company, the site has recently commissioned new knitting machines and associated equipment, capable of producing knitted wire mesh up to 1000 mm wide. The investment, which should enable the company to double its capacity, is part of its broader, ongoing strategy.

The new equipment will allow KnitMesh Technologies to better serve prestigious customers in fast-growing industries such as electrolyzer manufacture for use in green hydrogen production, where high-performance knitted mesh components are essential. Also, the wider mesh width is ideal for applications in zoos and aviaries, where large-format stainless steel screens are often required for animal and bird enclosures.

The company said that it had 16 employees when it first opened and that it expects to have 24 once the additional positions are completed. The company did not expand the facility but it did acquire new building space near New Delhi last year in anticipation of future growth.

By establishing a local presence, KnitMesh Technologies is better positioned to offer on-the-ground support, faster response times, and enhanced technical expertise. This expansion allows the company to collaborate more closely with Indian manufacturers, offering them access to KnitMesh Technologies’ cutting-edge solutions and empowering them to overcome their unique challenges.

“This investment reinforces our commitment to innovation and customer service,” said KnitMesh Technologies Managing Director Peter Evans. “By enhancing our knitted wire mesh production capabilities in India, we can meet growing global demand more efficiently while developing new, industry-specific solutions.”

“The New Delhi facility plays a key role in KnitMesh Technologies’ global operations, supporting both regional and international customers,” said Saurabh Thapar, managing director of the KnitMesh operation in India. “These strategic upgrades are designed to future-proof operations and align with increasing demand for high-quality, custom-engineered knitted wire mesh across a variety of sectors.”

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LS Group to partner with KEPCO

LS Cable & System (LS C&S) and LS ELECTRIC announced that on July 10, they signed an MOU with Korea Electric Power Corporation Corporation (KEPCO) to jointly develop and complete the world’s first superconducting power grid at a hyperscale data center in Gapyeong, South Korea, by 2028.

A press release said that LS C&S will design and manufacture superconducting cables, while sister-company LS Electric will supply superconducting fault current limiters and other power equipment. KEPCO will oversee technical and regulatory aspects and coordination.

LS C&S already demonstrated commercial viability of superconducting cable technology in 2019 when it began operating a 1-km superconducting cable section between Singal-Heungdeok Energy Center substations in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Compared to existing copper lines, the installation reduced transmission losses by a factor of 20.

 “This collaboration between three leading power industry companies on the world’s first superconducting power grid for data centers is a significant milestone,” said LS Electric Chairman Koo Ja-kyun. He noted that LS Cable & System’s superconducting cables and LS Electric’s advanced fault current limiters will offer optimal solutions for the eco-friendly power grid market.

The superconducting fault current limiters are key components that enhance operational stability by immediately interrupting fault currents, thereby preventing equipment damage and minimizing data loss risks. This technology is particularly crucial for AI data centers where uninterrupted power supply is essential for continuous operations.

The three companies plan to expand cooperation in developing and demonstrating superconducting grid technologies while pursuing initiatives to foster the industry ecosystem and jointly enter overseas markets. The Gapyeong project is expected to serve as a blueprint for future superconducting power infrastructure deployments globally, particularly in markets with high concentrations of energy-intensive data centers supporting AI and cloud computing operations.

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Last modified on September 2, 2025

Taihan Cable reports it will establish its 1st extra-high voltage cable plant in Vietnam

Taihan Cable & Solution Co. announced August 13 that its wholly owned Vietnamese subsidiary, Taihan Vina, will invest approximately $54 million to establish Vietnam’s first 400kV-class extra-high voltage (EHV) cable production facility.

A press release said that this will be the company’s first overseas EHV cable plant, aimed at capturing the rapidly growing power infrastructure market driven by Vietnam’s industrial expansion. The new plant will be in the Long Thanh Industrial Park, Dong Nai Province, by Taihan Vina’s existing facility, on a site of some 56,200 sq m. Construction is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2026, with operations expected to begin in 2027.

The release said that the strategic expansion targets Vietnam’s surging power demand, projected to grow at an annual rate of 10-12% through 2030, fueled by large-scale transmission projects involving 220 kV or higher capacity EHV cables. The new plant will allow Taihan Vina to serve not only Vietnam but also export to key markets such as Europe, North America, and Oceania, thus supporting the company’s broader international expansion plans.

Taihan Cable operates two cable plants and one cable accessory plant in South Korea. Overseas, it runs cable plants in South Africa, Kuwait and Vietnam, along with a cable accessory plant in Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Taihan Vina employs around 300 people. Its product lineup includes high-voltage, medium-low voltage power cable, and overhead wires. Last year, the subsidiary achieved sales of approximately $132 million, representing a 20% year-over-year increase.

“Vietnam’s excellent industrial environment, infrastructure, and geographical advantages will serve as a solid foundation for Taihan Vina to establish itself as a major global supplier in the EHV cable sector,” said a company spokesperson. “We aim to expand our presence beyond Asia to the global market.”

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Prysmian awarded framework agreement from Terna to improve the Italian power grid

Prysmian reports that it has been awarded a framework agreement with Italy’s Terna—which is responsible for the management, maintenance and development of the country’s high-voltage electricity grid—to support the strengthening of the Italian power grid.

A press release said that the framework agreement is for three years and includes an additional year which may be optioned by Terna—that has a potential total value of €382.5 million. Terna is one of the largest independent grid operators in Europe. As part of the agreement, Prysmian will supply Terna with HVAC cables, as well as maintenance of high voltage cables.

Terna is expected to acquire at least 50 km of high-voltage cable each year, a number that could rise considerably in line with their requirements. Based in Rome, Terna manages about 98% of Italy’s high-voltage and extra-high-voltage electricity transmission grid, operating over 75,000 km of power lines.

The award is aligned with Terna’s strategy for the development and modernization of the national transmission grid, aimed at supporting the objectives outlined in the European Green Deal and the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan. Prysmian will make use of its extended facilities in Pignataro Maggiore, Campania, to manufacture these cables. That site recently received over €20 million in investment to support an increase in capacity, including in high voltage cables.

Prysmian Europe CEO Marcello Del Brenna said the deal was positive on multiple levels. Prysmian will help Terna improve its power grid and bolster progress for its energy transition while supporting the overall Italian economy by making the cables at its Pignataro Maggiore factory in Caserta. Added Italy Country Manager Fabio Zucca, “This framework agreement is an important commitment, from both Prysmian and Terna at a critical moment in the energy transition, and we are proud to have been entrusted with this significant award.”

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LS Cable & System unit signs pact that calls for it to add to its 2 plants in Vietnam

LS Eco Energy Ltd. (LSEE), part of LS Cable & System, signed a Joint Development Agreement with PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) during the Vietnam–Korea Economic Forum on August 12 in Seoul.

A press release said that the agreement covers investment, construction and operation of a high-voltage alternating and direct current cable manufacturing plant, marking a strategic step to strengthen Vietnam’s renewable energy infrastructure and related industries. It noted that as the world shifts to clean energy, demand for high-capacity power transmission, especially offshore high-voltage cables, is rising rapidly. At the same time, a global shortage of quality HVDC cables is slowing many renewable projects. “The partnership between PTSC and LSEE aims to tackle this challenge and position Vietnam as a regional leader in producing and exporting high-quality high-voltage cables.”

The strong backing from the two parent corporations, PetroVietnam and LS Cable & System, serves as a strategic guarantee for the scale and long-term sustainability of the venture, while underscoring their commitment to driving technological innovation, enhancing value creation, and making a positive contribution to the global green energy development goals, the release said.

LS Cable & System currently operates two large-scale manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, namely LS-VINA Cable & System in Haiphong and LS Cable Vietnam in Dong Nai. The company notes that both of its facilities have established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality power cables to domestic and export markets. The addition of the new high-voltage cable plant will complete the production value chain, meeting the rapidly growing demand in this strategic market segment.

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SAMP relocating its headquarters in Italy early next year to a new, larger facility

Italy’s SAMP announced that the company plans to complete its headquarters relocation by March 2026 to a larger facility in Quarto Inferiore, Granarolo dell’Emilia.

A press release said that the new site, spanning 12,000 sq m, “represents a pivotal investment in SAMP’s international strategy, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, innovation capabilities, and customer proximity.” The plant will offer the OEM wire and cable equipment manufacturer a 30% increase in production space and allow consolidation of all Italian operations under one roof, fostering stronger interdepartmental collaboration and enabling a more agile response to market demands.

Central to this transformation is the revamped Customer Service structure, now strengthened with the creation of dedicated Service Centers worldwide. The centers help customers avoid unnecessary costs and can serve local markets more effectively by hiring local personnel and establishing regional hubs, such as those already operating, which are capable of providing tailored service and immediate support. These hubs are strategically developed to ensure close contact with customers for revamping activities, technical services and ongoing support.

While the headquarters relocates, SAMP’s global footprint remains firmly established. With active manufacturing facilities in Brazil and China and a solid commercial presence in the U.S., SAMP continues to strengthen its international operations to better serve a growing global customer base. “This strategic expansion reflects SAMP’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions, tailored services, and faster support across borders, paving the way for the next phase of global industrial excellence.”

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