NKT, a leading player in power cable technology, has completed a substantial upgrade of its high-voltage cable accessories factory in Alingsås, Sweden. The investment, which includes a new test hall, expanded production capacity, and a new office building, underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the surging demand for power cable accessories in Europe and globally.
The new facilities are now fully operational, enhancing both the factory’s capacity and its technical capabilities. The expansion is part of NKT’s broader strategy to accommodate the high demand for power cables, particularly as the world transitions towards renewable energy. Recognizing the strategic importance of power cable accessories for the expansion of global power grids, NKT has prioritized investments in this area.
“Cable accessories are a vital link in the electricity infrastructure, and we are pleased that, following a successful construction phase and a sequenced capacity ramp-up, we have now completed a substantial upgrade of our facilities in Alingsås,” said Denis Schuler, Executive Vice President, Head of Accessories at NKT. “As electrification accelerates and the transition to renewable energy continues, market demands are constantly progressing. With extensive upgrades needed across the European power grid to support this transformation, we remain committed to leading the way in delivering high-quality cable accessories. This investment clearly reinforces that commitment.”
In 2024, NKT also opened a new 11,000 square meter logistics centre in Alingsås. The new warehouse allowed NKT to consolidate several smaller storage sites, improving efficiency and logistics. It also freed up space within the existing manufacturing building, which was repurposed to support the production capacity upgrade of high-voltage direct-current (DC) joints.
The new test hall introduces highly anticipated capacity and opens new possibilities for testing power cable accessories up to 640 kV. “As part of our production process, we carry out a wide range of high-voltage tests. The new facility enables us to expand our internal capabilities and secure capacity for both standard customer requirements and R&D [research and development] needs,” explained Schuler. “Alongside strengthening our ability to deliver reliable and high-quality products, we continue to build on our strong foundation of innovation to remain at the forefront of the market.”
NKT develops, produces, and installs a wide range of power cable accessories for various onshore and offshore applications, including cable joints, connectors, and terminations. Alingsås serves as NKT’s centre of excellence for high-voltage cable accessories, while the medium-voltage centre of excellence is located in Nordenham, Germany.
The expansion has also led to an increase in the workforce in Alingsås by approximately 30 employees, bringing the total number of staff at the site to around 320.
This strategic investment by NKT is likely to shape the development of the power cable sector in several ways. Firstly, it underscores the growing importance of power cable accessories in the global power grid infrastructure. As the world transitions towards renewable energy, the demand for high-quality, reliable power cable accessories is set to increase. NKT’s investment positions it as a key player in this market, capable of meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
Secondly, the expansion of testing capabilities up to 640 kV highlights the increasing focus on high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) technology. HVDC cables are crucial for the efficient transmission of large amounts of power over long distances, making them integral to the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. NKT’s enhanced testing facilities will enable it to stay at the forefront of HVDC technology development and application.
Lastly, the investment in logistics and production capacity upgrades reflects the growing complexity and scale of power cable projects. As power grids become more interconnected and renewable energy sources are integrated, the demand for efficient and reliable logistics and production processes will continue to grow. NKT’s investment in these areas positions it to meet these challenges head-on.
In conclusion, NKT’s investment in its Alingsås factory is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for high-quality power cable accessories. It also underscores the strategic importance of power cable accessories in the global power grid infrastructure and the increasing focus on HVDC technology. As the world transitions towards renewable energy, NKT’s investment is likely to shape the development of the power cable sector in significant ways.