Nexans Celebrates 100 Years

March 1, 2011
Nexans North America, Markham, Ontario, passed the century mark on Feb. 11. Founded in 1911 as Canada Wire & Cable, the company started out supplying

Nexans North America, Markham, Ontario, passed the century mark on Feb. 11. Founded in 1911 as Canada Wire & Cable, the company started out supplying power cables to the burgeoning hydropower market in Ontario. Today, with 11 facilities and more than 1,500 employees throughout North America, Nexans is looking to continue its tradition of cable innovation.

The construction of the first hydro-generating plant in Niagara Falls one hundred years ago presented the challenge of developing an economical means of bringing this energy to Southern Ontario. Five entrepreneurs recognized the opportunity to develop the cable technology required, and Canada Wire & Cable was created. The company's product offerings expanded over the years, and by 1920 included building wire, weatherproof wires and bare rectangular copper wire. Along the way, the company acquired several rubber mills and, by 1931, a copper rod mill, still operating today in Montreal East, Quebec.

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 created the Nexans CONNECTS program to expand its community outreach and support by partnering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and establish several scholarship funds for the families of Nexans North America employees.