Investing in people and power
Southwire invests in reliable energy infrastructure for the future
A FEW MILES DOWNSTREAM from the bridge that connects Cannelton, Indiana, to Hawesville, Kentucky, Southwire Company fulfills another important connection—producing the material needed to carry electricity from power generation sites to homes, businesses and industrial facilities across North America.
In operation since 1969, the Hancock County facility produces aluminum rod, strip and bare overhead conductors while also manufacturing bare transmission and distribution cable.
Within the last several years, Southwire has marked significant growth in efficiency, productivity and safety. The plant recently expanded the workforce by about 30% and square footage from 439,570 to 806,770 square feet.
“The growth of our Hawesville plant over the past few years is truly exciting,” says Roy Jackson, Southwire’s vice president of manufacturing. “We are in the process of our third and fourth expansions, which will add another 50 positions. Once these expansions are complete, we will have nearly doubled our bare overhead production capacity and replaced almost all legacy production equipment with new machines and technology.”
As growth coincides with rising energy demand and a more electrified economy, “Southwire provides the strong partnership electric co-ops are looking for,” says Phil Clark, executive vice president of United Utility Supply, a Kentucky-based cooperative that distributes material to utilities across the Midwest and Atlantic Coast. “Southwire is a partner with you to the end of the line.”
Southwire officials credit a partnership with Kenergy, its local electric cooperative, with a more responsive, tailored approach to its energy requirements compared with larger, investor-owned utilities.
“Decisions about electricity service are made locally and are driven by the needs of the members Kenergy serves,” says Nathan Ward, site leader at Southwire’s Kentucky plant.
“The amount of investment being made here in Hawesville is a great example of Southwire’s commitment to being a long-term blessing to the community and the people we serve,” Ward says.
A good neighbor
Southwire’s Hawesville facility is a cornerstone of the community, known for industrial excellence and meaningful local involvement. The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year contributes tens of thousands of dollars to charities, disaster relief efforts and sponsorships of local initiatives and foundations.
Volunteer efforts of the plant’s employees are boosted by Southwire’s Project GIFT initiatives, including Back-to-School, Puzzle Pieces, Crossroads Women’s Shelter, the Daniel Pitino Shelter and Jeffreys Cliffs.
