Osceola, WI–May 10, 2005–Northwire Inc. has announced their custom cable design and manufacturing compliance with the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. While the directive specifies that electrical and electronic products marketed within the European Union be free of specified toxic content by July 2006, Northwire has proactively shown their preparedness ahead of the worldwide schedule with their ability to offer custom performance cable designs that meet the requirements set by the directive today.

“ In an exhaustive effort across several months, we (Northwire) examined all of the materials used in making custom cable products for any compounds identified by RoHS as toxic substances —including lead (as a stand alone), and halogen to prepare for the inevitable demand from the markets we serve for products that comply with this important directive,” said Ted Beach, Director of Sales for Northwire.

While many of the materials used in custom cable products were already RoHS compliant, most concentrates used to make vibrantly colored jacket materials feature lead and hexavalent chromium as primary ingredients. Jacket color is an important part of the cable industry as both an aesthetic as well as a functional tool for identification and classification of products. Northwire developed new color concentrates and performed requalification with every material they would be used with to ensure that the functional properties of the cable such as flexibility and abrasion or cut resistance were not compromised.

In addition to color concentrates, many of the other compounds and components of custom cable manufacturing were also modified or redesigned to be functionally successful while meeting RoHS compliance.

RoHS compliant products available immediately from Northwire include cables that are U.L. recognized as AWM (Appliance Wiring Material), ITC/PLTC and UL 62 flexible power cords. Mr. Beach also noted that Northwire has implemented a process initiative to standardize on RoHS compliant materials in all new designs when possible and will continue to investigate solutions to complete their total product capability offering.

Northwire Inc. is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of industrial and medical grade technical cable. Products include custom and standard designs, highest flexibility and flex life, resistance to heat, cold, chemicals, gases, and solvents and shielded against EMI and impact. Most designs are also available in retractile configurations. For further information, contact: Northwire Inc.,