Southwire Acquires DeCorp, Innovator of FlatWire-Ready(TM) Technology
(Carrollton, GA - August 25, 2005) - Southwire Company today announced its acquisition of Hendersonville, Tenn.-based DeCorp Inc. in a move that combines Southwire's strengths as a leading, innovative wire and cable manufacturer with DeCorp's ground-breaking FlatWire-ready(TM) technology.
Under the product names DeWire(TM), DeCable(TM) and DeCord(TM), DeCorp has developed a variety of audio, video, electrical and data cable products. Unlike traditional round wire, the company's FlatWire-ready products are wide and thin, allowing installation under carpet and tile and beneath wallpaper and paint.
"With the FlatWire-ready concept, wishful thinking becomes reality," said Jack Carlson, president of Southwire's Electrical Division. "Electricity can be used more creatively at a very reasonable cost. By adding FlatWire to our product line, Southwire is building on its commitment to make life easier for our customers by providing convenient and affordable solutions to their electrical needs."
With products under development, users wanting to complete small improvement projects, such as adding accent lighting, will no longer have to cut or bore into walls or ceilings, according to Carlson. Almost paper-thin, FlatWire-ready products can be adhered to a wall. Then it's a simple as adding a layer of spackling compound and painting or papering over the wire.
"This acquisition gives us access to Southwire's expertise in product development, manufacturing and marketing - all areas where it is an industry leader," said Robert Sexton, president of DeCorp. "Southwire provides the perfect opportunity to get FlatWire-ready technology to a new, broader market."
"DeCorp has proved the reliability and convenience of this unique technology through its audio and video cable products," Carlson said. "With the skill of the research team at Southwire's D.B. Cofer Technology Center, we plan to duplicate that success with new electrical wire products. It's with that spirit we continue to build Southwire's reputation as the best choice for customers seeking a complete line of quality products from the industry's lowest-cost provider."
About Southwire Company
A technology leader for than 50 years, Southwire Company is a major wire and cable provider in North America, manufacturing building wire and cable, metal-clad (MC) cable, cord products, utility cable products, industrial power cable, copper and aluminum rod and continuous casting technology. Please visit Southwire's website at mysouthwire.com.
Contact:
Gary Leftwich
Corporate Communications Director
(770) 832-4884
gary_leftwich@southwire.com
www.southwire.com
