Nexans Invests €15M to Boost Cable Production Capacity

• Nexans SA invests €15 million to boost medium-voltage cable production in France, enhancing efficiency and meeting the booming demand for renewable energy solutions by 2026.

Nexans SA, the French cable manufacturer, plans to invest EUR 15 million (USD 16.6 million) to enhance its medium-voltage cable production at its Bourg-en-Bresse facility in east-central France. This investment involves adding two new production lines and upgrading the manufacturing process to meet the increasing demand in the energy sector, particularly for renewable energy projects like solar and wind farms across France and Western Europe.

The expansion, scheduled for 2024 to 2026, will include the installation of a new stranding machine capable of producing larger aluminum cable sections and a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) triple extruder. Additionally, Nexans will modernize its sheathing and assembly lines to reinforce the production of its EDRMAX cables, aiming to improve production efficiency by the first half of 2026.

How will Nexans' investment impact renewable energy cable production in France?

Nexans' investment in enhancing its medium-voltage cable production in France is set to have several significant impacts on renewable energy cable production in the region. Here are some key points detailing how this investment will influence the industry's landscape:

- Increased Production Capacity: The addition of two new production lines at the Bourg-en-Bresse facility will enable Nexans to significantly boost its output of medium-voltage cables, ensuring that demand from the growing renewable energy sector is met more effectively.

- Support for Renewable Projects: By focusing on producing cables specifically for solar and wind energy projects, Nexans will play a crucial role in facilitating the development of renewable infrastructure across France and beyond, thereby contributing to national and regional energy goals.

- Enhanced Technology Adoption: The installation of advanced machinery, such as a new stranding machine and a triple extruder for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), showcases Nexans' commitment to technological innovation, enhancing the production quality and performance of their cables.

- Improved Production Efficiency: Upgrading the manufacturing processes and modernizing sheathing and assembly lines will lead to more streamlined operations, reducing lead times and increasing responsiveness to market demands.

- Job Creation and Economic Impact: The investment is likely to create new job opportunities at the Bourg-en-Bresse facility, stimulating the local economy and potentially attracting talent in the renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.

- Contribution to Sustainability Goals: By ramping up the production of cables designed to support renewable energy projects, Nexans will contribute to broader sustainability goals, aligning with European Union policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.

- Market Competitiveness: With larger production capabilities and enhanced technology, Nexans is positioned to become a more competitive player in the cable manufacturing market, potentially capturing more market share in the renewable energy sector both domestically and across Western Europe.

- Support for Grid Modernization: As renewable energy sources are integrated into existing grids, higher quality medium-voltage cables are essential. Nexans' investment will enhance grid infrastructure resilience and reliability, supporting a more stable energy supply.

- Innovation in Cable Solutions: The focus on EDRMAX cables represents Nexans' dedication to developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the energy sector, ensuring that their products are at the forefront of technology and efficacy.

- Collaboration with Renewable Energy Developers: As the demand for renewable energy grows, Nexans is likely to foster collaborative relationships with energy developers and installers, promoting innovations in cable applications and green energy technologies.

In summary, Nexans' investment will not only increase production capacity and modernize manufacturing processes but also position the company as a key player in supporting France's transition to renewable energy sources. This strategic move aligns with global trends towards sustainable energy solutions, and it reflects a commitment to innovation and economic growth in the renewable energy sector.