Insulated Wire and Cable Demand to Reach $20 Billion by 2008

Improved capital investment, continuing growth in construction expenditures, and increased motor vehicle production levels could boost demand for insulated wire and cable over the next four years. The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm, predicts U.S. demand for these products will increase 4.8% annually through 2008. Freedonia expects a recovery in the fiber optic market to be fueled by increased investment by telecom providers and the demand for high-speed data services. A rising investment in computer networking systems will also drive growth in the electronic wire and cable industry. Although the increased use of wireless information technology could limit gains, security and performance concerns will prevent wireless technologies from completely replacing hardline systems. (See table).