Lars Fagerholm, Maillefer: ‘AI plays a major role in future high-end cable-making'

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Fagerholm, Executive Vice President of Maillefer Group, at their booth during the recent wire & Tube exhibition. The atmosphere was abuzz with positive energy, reflecting Maillefer's experience at the event. In this interview, we delve into Maillefer's latest developments, particularly their focus on green electrification and their commitment to sustainable practices.

Mr. Fagerholm, how would you describe the visitor turnout at your booth here at wire & Tube?

We're satisfied with the level of engagement at our stand. It reflects the overall activity in our business, which has been very positive lately. This surge is largely driven by the green electrification movement, particularly in the EU with offshore wind farms, including projects on UK islands. While activity in these areas has slightly dipped at the moment, other markets are experiencing significant growth. We're seeing a rise in interest from the Middle East, and India, where there's a major push towards high and extra-high-voltage infrastructure development. Southeast Asia and China are very active, and North America is increasingly planning grid updates, creating a vast need for our expertise. We're proud to be part of this global shift toward green energy.

Maillefer has a strong focus on sustainability. How does this responsibility translate into your daily operations?

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our company culture. Every Maillefer employee understands the importance of responsible practices. We integrate sustainability throughout our processes, from tracking materials to R&D efforts. Optimizing material utilization, minimizing waste, and ensuring process consistency are all crucial aspects of our commitment.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries. How does Maillefer view this technology?

We see AI as an opportunity. In fact, AI plays a major role in over half of what we do in R&D here at Maillefer nowadays. It's a powerful tool that helps us refine processes, optimize production, and ultimately deliver superior results for our clients.

Looking ahead, what are Maillefer's key focus areas for the next year?

We'll continue to prioritize high-end segments like subsea cables. The demand for producing ever-greater cable lengths without interruptions is rising, and we're developing larger equipment solutions to meet these needs. Additionally, we're witnessing a growing interest in partnerships with leading global cable manufacturers. This collaborative approach is something we wholeheartedly welcome. Another significant trend is the increasing demand for plant engineering expertise. Companies are turning to Maillefer to design and support their entire production facilities. We're not simply machinery and equipment suppliers; we're providers of cutting-edge know-how, ready to help our clients design their future factories.

As we wrapped up the interview, the conversation naturally shifted towards a shared hope for global peace. This focus on broader well-being aligns with Maillefer's commitment to building a better future for the industry and beyond. We're eager to see their continued positive contributions in the years ahead.