Emtelle USA, which just named a new president for its USA division, is poised to provide fiber optic infrastructure that meets the stringent Build America, Buy America compliance standards.

At its website, the company, a division of Scotland’s Emtelle Group, notes that its pre-connectorized blown fiber cable and ducted network solutions are produced at its 300,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Fletcher, North Carolina. That includes microduct tube bundles and pre-connectorized fiber solutions.

In September 2024, Emtelle USA enhanced its testing capabilities by adding an advanced test track to the Fletcher facility. This addition allows for rigorous testing of microduct and cable solutions under real-world installation conditions.

The Fletcher facility is positioned to capitalize on the estimated multi-billion dollar investments in fiber rollouts across the U.S. in the coming years. Emtelle’s expansion in North America complements its established global manufacturing network, which includes facilities in the U.K., Denmark, Germany and Dubai.

Prysmian announced the names of the two vessels that will join the company’s fleet: the Prysmian Alessandro Volta and the Prysmian Marco Polo.

A press release said that the new additions will expand Prysmian’s fleet to a total of eight operational vessels, further strengthening the company’s leadership in the global submarine cable market. Both vessels will boast outstanding green credentials, including high-voltage shore connection systems for clean energy during loading operations, diesel generators suitable for biodiesel blends, and battery hybrid systems for the deep-water vessel.

The Prysmian Alessandro Volta pays tribute to the esteemed Italian physicist and chemist (1745-1827). The vessel is about 193 meters long and 34 meters wide. It will feature advanced cable installation solutions, including three carousels with a total capacity of 19,500 metric tons. It will be operational in 2027. The name choice marks the strong link with Prysmian core business, which is producing and installing power cable to provide electrical connection among countries.

The Prysmian Marco Polo, named after the famed explorer/merchant (1254-1324), is about 167 meters long and 40 meters wide. It will have two carousels, one split into two concentric sections, with a total cable loading capacity of at least 8,000 metric tons. The vessel will be equipped with state-of-the-art DP3 positioning and seakeeping systems. It will be operational in 2025.

Sequel Wire and Cable reports that it has received an investment from Cuprum Holdings, LLC, and is launching a new company called Sequel Wire and Cable Holdings, LLC (SWCH).

A press release from Sequel Wire, based in Argos, Indiana, said that the transaction will provide enhanced access to financing, which will speed up planned expansions and create additional capacity to broaden the product offerings. Sequel’s current operating structure remains intact and is now renamed Sequel OEM Group, LLC, under SWCH. Rich Carr will serve as president and CEO of the Sequel OEM Group. Mike Frigo and Denise Feece will remain in their current roles.

Jim Coleman is the president and CEO of SWCH, and Gary Yetman is the executive chairman. Each man has more than 35 years of industry experience, including leadership positions at Coleman Cable, which acquired Copperfield, LLC, in 2007 from Carr, who was its president. The new entity, called Sequel Low Voltage Group, LLC, will also be under SWCH.

“For employees and the Argos area, this new partnership is great news,” the release said. It noted that more skilled employees will eventually be needed to meet the expanded manufacturing capacity as new product lines are introduced. The Argos area continues to be a great place for the expansion of facilities and will remain as the Sequel OEM Group headquarters.