NKT has begun the slipforming casting of concrete for a third extrusion tower at its Swedish offshore power cable factory. The construction process will involve a truck delivering concrete every hour, allowing the structure to reach its planned height of 200 meters.
This new tower represents a significant investment in NKT's production capacity and capabilities, driven by a record high order backlog and increased demand for power cables supporting renewable energy transitions.
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“The beginning of the slipforming is a major milestone in the expansion of the factory in Karlskrona,” said Darren Fennell, executive vice president and head of HV Solutions Karlskrona at NKT. “The tower will significantly strengthen our ability to meet the growing demand for larger and longer high-voltage offshore cables essential for the green transition. The ongoing investments are central to the execution of our large order backlog and prepare us for the positive development we expect in the high-voltage power cable market. With the capacity expansion, we continue to be a leading power cable provider for the global energy infrastructure.”
The new extrusion tower will enhance NKT's ability to add insulation to high-voltage power cables produced at the facility. This construction is part of a broader investment programme in NKT's high-voltage power cable business, which also includes a second cable-laying vessel scheduled to be operational by 2027.
In line with this expansion, NKT plans to recruit over 500 new employees by 2027 and is progressing with the hiring process in Karlskrona.