3M's innovative ACCR conductor and Southwire's recognized 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 unmatched industry presence to advance the understanding and adoption of 3M ACCR in selected U.S. markets.
"We recognize Southwire as an industry leader in quality manufacturing and innovative product development, offering high quality products just as we do. Southwire is the best choice for this unique alliance," says Paul Steece, Vice President and General Manager of 3M's Electrical Markets Division.
Deliver more power on existing towers
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. This innovative core will continue to be produced by 3M; Southwire will manufacture the aluminum zirconium outer wires and strand them with the core to complete the conductor. 3M's ACCR is fully commercialized and is being installed by utilities around the globe.
Utility companies benefit from alliance
"3M has used their vast material science knowledge base to develop the innovative 3M ACCR conductor, which solves high-capacity design challenges for transmitting electric power. 3M shares our vision of designing materials that solve complex transmission challenges with sophisticated engineering solutions" states Charlie Murrah, President Southwire Energy Division.
Utilities will benefit because the alliance between Southwire and 3M in North America is ensuring the quality of the product and the consistency of product availability.
More information is available online at www.3M.com/accr.
