Nexans, the world’s leading cable company, celebrates 100 years of delivering innovative cable and wire solutions to customers in North America – and part of that heritage is here in town.
The company that became Nexans North America, was founded on Feb. 11, 1911, as Canada Wire & Cable, began operations by supplying power cables to the burgeoning hydro market in Ontario.
Today, the company has 11 facilities and more than 1,500 employees throughout North America as it continues its tradition of innovation and excellence.
The construction of the first hydro-generating plant in Niagara Falls 100 years ago presented the challenge of developing an economical means of bringing that energy to southern Ontario.
Five entrepreneurs recognized the opportunity to develop the cable technology required, and Canada Wire & Cable was created.
By 1920, products offered by the company included building wire, weatherproof wires, and bare rectangular copper wire.
To ensure an uninterrupted supply of materials, the company acquired several rubber mills and, by 1931, a copper rod mill, which is still operating today in Quebec.
In 1965, the Fergus facility was built as a joint venture between Canada Wire and Cable and Essex Wire. Construction was completed in 1966. The operation, called Fergus Cables, Ltd., employed 160.
In 1968, Canada Wire and Cable bought out Essex’s share of the Fergus Cables, Ltd., and formed a subsidiary company called Canwireco Ltd.
Nexans North America continues to design and manufacture a wide range of power cables and also provides products in markets as diverse as building, industrial, oil and gas, military, aerospace, renewable energy, power networks, and more.
Steve Hall, president, Nexans North America, said, “Not many companies make it to 100 years, and those that do all have the same characteristics: the ability to innovate and provide relevant products, a focus on customer service, operational excellence, and most importantly, exceptional people. We are proud of our 100 year history, but we are already focused on our next 100 years.”
In recognition of its 100th anniversary, Nexans has initiated a program for community outreach and support.
Carlos Sanchez, vice-president of Human Resources, said, “Partnering with respected organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, our employees can participate in organized service programs.”
The program also establishes several scholarship opportunities for the children and grandchildren of Nexans North America employees.
