3M and Southwire have entered into a joint agreement to produce 3M aluminum conductor composite reinforced (3M ACCR) high-voltage overhead conductor.

3M's ACCR conductor and Southwire's conductor and manufacturing expertise will combine to deliver the highest-quality product to utility companies throughout North America. 3M will continue to sell ACCR in the United States and worldwide, and Southwire will use its industry presence to advance the understanding and adoption of 3M ACCR in selected U.S. markets.

Electric utility companies continue to push the limits of their grids in response to growing demand for more reliable electric power and to support the transmission of power from alternative energy sources. 3M ACCR enables utilities to reliably deliver two or more times the energy using the existing system of towers and rights of way. Its low sag, high strength-to-weight ratio and durability result from its core, which is composed of aluminum oxide (alumina) fibers embedded in high-purity aluminum.