Nexans has announced its intention to build a plant for the manufacture of underground extra-high-voltage (EHV) cables, and possible extension to submarine high-voltage activities, in the United States. Nexans is investing in the new plant to capitalize on the significant investments expected in EHV cables in North America in the coming years.

The total investment is expected to be approximately US$80 million, and the plant is expected to begin operation in the summer of 2013.

Nexans is a major global player in the high-voltage cable market with facilities in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

“Increasing demand for electricity from consumers and industry is driving ambitious plans for the development of major power infrastructure projects in North America,” said Frédéric Vincent, Nexans' chairman and CEO. “For effective and efficient transmission of electrical power, with minimum losses, these new schemes need to operate at EHV levels. So, by establishing this new plant, Nexans will be ideally positioned to support these projects with high-quality EHV cables designed and manufactured to meet specific local market conditions.”

This new plant will reinforce Nexans' current product range in North America, adding to the existing medium-voltage, low-voltage, overhead transmission, industrial and local area networks portfolios.

Visit www.nexans.com.