3M and Southwire have entered into a joint agreement to produce 3M Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (3M ACCR) high-voltage overhead conductor.
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’s six decades of helping customers design and manufacture the most efficient transmission systems makes Southwire the best choice for this unique alliance,” says Paul Steece, vice president and general manager of 3M’s Electrical Markets Division.
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.
“3M’s commitment to research and development – and creating the most innovative products – is recognized worldwide. They have 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. “We are very pleased to produce and promote 3M ACCR.”
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 about the 3M high-capacity conductor is available at www.3M.com/accr.
About 3M
3M ACCR is offered by 3M’s Electrical Markets Division (EMD), which designs, manufactures and markets products for electrical utilities, electrical construction and maintenance, and electrical/electronic device manufacturers. EMD has more than 60 years of experience serving utility customers with highly reliable products.
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
3M Public RelationsColleen Horn Harris, 651-733-1566http://www.3m.com/PressContactorLVM Group Inc.Bob Rumerman, 212-499-6567bob@lvmgroup.com
