Südkabel

Südkabel GmbH is a German manufacturer of power cables and cable accessories, headquartered in Mannheim. The company specializes in the production of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage cables, medium-voltage cables, and the associated accessories, as well as the planning, installation, and commissioning of high-voltage cable systems up to the highest voltage levels. Its product range includes XLPE-insulated cables for medium voltage (10, 20, and 30 kV), high- and extra-high-voltage cables, and a comprehensive portfolio of accessories for these applications. Südkabel also offers services such as installation, commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and training through its Südkabel Training Center. The company traces its origins to 1898, when it was founded as Süddeutsche Kabelwerke in Mannheim. Over the decades, it underwent several ownership and name changes: in 1970, a merger created Kabel- und Lackdrahtfabriken GmbH (Kabel + Draht), which was owned by Brown, Boveri & Cie. (BBC) for 18 years. After the formation of the ABB Group in 1988, the company became ABB Kabel und Draht GmbH, and from 1997 its power cable activities operated as ABB Energiekabel GmbH. On January 1, 2004, the Wilms Group acquired the Mannheim cable and accessory plant from ABB, and the company returned to its traditional name, Südkabel GmbH. In June 2024, the Japanese cable manufacturer Sumitomo Electric agreed to acquire a 90% stake in Südkabel from the Wilms Group, securing production capacity for major projects such as the Amprion Korridor B and Rhein-Main-Link HVDC links. Südkabel has been a pioneer in cable technology, particularly in the introduction of XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation. The company achieved several technical milestones, including the first 110 kV XLPE cable system in Germany in 1973, the first 220 kV XLPE cable installation in Germany in 1988, the first 400 kV XLPE cable installation in Europe in 1996, and the first 550 kV XLPE cable installation in 2001. Today, Südkabel continues to deliver world-class cables and accessories, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and reliability. With a global reach and local expertise, the company supports projects across diverse regions and remains committed to advancing energy transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Südkabel GmbH was founded in 1898 as Süddeutsche Kabelwerke (Südkabel) in Mannheim, Germany. From its inception, the company focused on the production of power cables and cable accessories. Over the following decades, it established itself as a key player in the German cable industry. In 1970, a merger of several companies led to the creation of Kabel- und Lackdrahtfabriken GmbH (Kabel + Draht). This entity was owned by Brown, Boveri & Cie. (BBC) for 18 years. Following the formation of the ABB Group through the merger of ASEA and BBC in 1988, the company was renamed ABB Kabel und Draht GmbH. From 1997, its power cable activities were continued under the name ABB Energiekabel GmbH. On January 1, 2004, the Wilms Group acquired the cable and accessory plant in Mannheim, including all its activities, from ABB. Since then, the company has operated under its traditional name, Südkabel GmbH. This marked a return to its roots and a renewed focus on its core competencies. In June 2024, the Japanese cable manufacturer Sumitomo Electric agreed to acquire a 90% stake in Südkabel from the Wilms Group. This strategic move was intended to secure production capacity for major projects, including the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines for Amprion's Korridor B project and parts of the Rhein-Main-Link. The acquisition underscores Südkabel's importance in the European energy infrastructure market. Throughout its history, Südkabel has been a pioneer in cable technology, particularly in the development and application of XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation. The company achieved numerous technical milestones, such as the first 110 kV XLPE cable system in Germany in 1973, the first 220 kV XLPE cable installation in Germany in 1988, the first 400 kV XLPE cable installation in Europe in 1996, and the first 550 kV XLPE cable installation in 2001. These innovations have significantly contributed to the advancement of power transmission technology. Today, Südkabel continues to deliver high-quality cables and accessories for energy transmission and distribution, with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and reliability. The company serves customers worldwide, combining global reach with local expertise.

• 2024

  Sumitomo Electric agrees to acquire 90% stake from Wilms Group.

• 2004

  Wilms Group acquires the Mannheim plant from ABB; company renamed Südkabel GmbH.

• 2001

  First 550 kV XLPE cable installation.

• 1997

  Power cable activities continued as ABB Energiekabel GmbH.

• 1996

  First 400 kV XLPE cable installation in Europe.

• 1988

  First XLPE-insulated 220 kV cable installation in Germany; company renamed ABB Kabel und Draht GmbH.

• 1973

  First 110 kV XLPE cable system in Germany.

• 1971

  Low-pressure oil cable for 275 kV.

• 1970

  Merger creates Kabel- und Lackdrahtfabriken GmbH (Kabel + Draht).

• 1961

  Low-pressure oil cable for 220 kV.

• 1936

  Low-pressure oil cable for 110 kV.

• 1898

  Founded as Süddeutsche Kabelwerke in Mannheim.

Premium provider of high-voltage cable systems and accessories, known for pioneering XLPE technology and German engineering quality.

• Medium Voltage Cables

  Single-core XLPE-insulated power cables for 10, 20, and 30 kV, with options for fire resistance classifications. Three-core versions available upon request.

• High- and Extra-High Voltage Cables

  XLPE-insulated high-performance cables with enhanced conductor properties for high and extra-high voltage networks.

• Accessories for Medium Voltage Cables

  Extensive range of accessories for medium voltage applications, meeting diverse electrical and mechanical requirements.

• Accessories for High- and Extra-High Voltage Cables

  Solutions for XLPE high voltage technology that have been setting standards.

• Special Products

  Tailored products designed to meet unique requirements.

1. 1Südkabel GmbH |suedkabel.de
2. 2About us | Südkabel GmbHsuedkabel.de
3. 3Products | Südkabel GmbHsuedkabel.de
4. 4Services | Südkabel GmbHsuedkabel.de
5. 5Südkabelwikidata.org
6. 6Südkabelde.wikipedia.org