The NEPIC June 2025 Cluster Connect event, hosted at 3M’s Newton Aycliffe facility, was a resounding success, bringing together industry leaders to discuss sustainability, electrical innovation and collaborative growth. Among the highlights were the insightful presentations by Terry McDonald, representing Thorne & Derrick International, and Jenny Swindells from 3M Electrical, who shared their expertise on how the electrical sector is evolving to meet future challenges.
Terry McDonald’s presentation delved into the long-standing partnership between Thorne & Derrick and 3M, showcasing how their collaboration has driven advancements in electrical infrastructure, cable jointing, and LV MV HV substation equipment. With decades of experience in the industry, Terry provided a fascinating look into how Thorne & Derrick has been at the forefront of HV and LV electrical solutions, supporting critical projects across the UK and beyond.
Key takeaways from Terry’s talk included:
The importance of sustainable electrical solutions in modern infrastructure.
How innovation in cable jointing and termination technologies is shaping safer, more efficient power distribution using Cold Shrink technology pioneered by 3M Electrical.
The historical journey of Thorne & Derrick and its alignment with 3M’s vision for a greener future.
Attendees left with a deeper appreciation for how industry partnerships can accelerate progress, ensuring that the electrical sector remains resilient and forward-thinking.
Jenny Swindells, representing 3M, delivered an engaging presentation on sustainability in the electrical sector, emphasising how material science and innovation are paving the way for eco-friendly advancements.
Her discussion highlighted
3M’s cutting-edge developments in electrical insulation, Scotchcast Resin, safety products, and renewable energy solutions.
The role of circular economy principles in reducing waste and improving efficiency.
How collaboration between companies like 3M and Thorne & Derrick fosters industry-wide progress.
The site tour of 3M’s Newton Aycliffe facility further reinforced these insights, giving attendees a first-hand look at the ground-breaking work being done behind the scenes.
The event was a fantastic opportunity for professionals across the Northeast Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) to connect, share ideas, and explore future collaborations. The combination of expert insights, facility tours, and networking made it a truly enriching experience.
A huge thank you to 3M hosting such an inspiring event. The discussions on sustainability, innovation, and partnership have set the stage for even greater advancements in the electrical sector.
Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories, joints, terminations and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting.
Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries.
With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets.
Integrity of the cable is of prime concern in mission-critical infrastructure.
Whether maintenance is being performed in utilities, telecommunications, or industrial power systems, damaged jacket cables significantly degrade operations and safety. Filoform Heat Shrinkable Reinforced Wrap Around Cable Jacket Repair Sleeves offer a tough, field-proven repair solution for on-site repair of cables, offering durability, environmental sealing, and mechanical protection.
The Filoform cable repair sleeve is engineered for reliability in hostile environments. This metal-reinforced, heat-shrinkable wraparound sleeve enables fast, permanent cable jacket repair without cable movement or disconnection.
Important: Use a soft yellow flame (not pencil type). Always direct heat in the direction of shrinking and maintain a sweeping motion to avoid scorching. Begin shrinking from the centre outward. Ensure uniform shrinking and proper adhesive oozing.
Ensure performance perfection with this precise installation procedure:
Action: Degrease, clean, and dust the cable surface where the sleeve will be applied.
✅ Use solvents that are compatible with the cable material.
✅ Clean 100 mm on both sides of the damaged section.
Action: Abrade the outer jacket of the cable using abrasive tape or sandpaper.
✅ Roughen 100 mm on each side of the damage for optimal adhesion.
Step 3: Remove the Adhesive FilmAction: Peel off the release liner from the adhesive-coated inner surface of the sleeve.
Step 4: Apply the Sleeve and Insert the Metal ChannelAction: Wrap the sleeve around the cable and slide the metal channel along the overlap to lock it.
✅ Extend the channel 10 mm beyond both ends of the sleeve.
✅ Confirm that the sleeve fits snugly around the cable.
Step 5: Start Heat Shrinking at the CenterAction: Begin applying heat at the centre of the sleeve and work outward.
✅ Apply uniform heat all around the sleeve.
✅ Focus extra heat along the metal channel.
✅ If necessary, bend the channel to follow the cable’s contours.
Action: Look for hot melt adhesive uniformly oozing from all edges.
✅ This indicates a secure and sealed installation.
✅ Let the sleeve cool fully before applying any mechanical stress.
The Cembre MG4 Thermal Transfer Printer is setting new standards in industrial labelling and marking solutions. With its cutting-edge features and exceptional versatility, the MG4 is designed to meet the high demands of modern industries, offering a combination of eco-friendliness, efficiency, and reliability for all your marking needs.
With decades of expertise behind it, the MG4 is more than just a thermal transfer printer. It’s a versatile, high-performance solution that enhances the productivity of workers on-site and in the office. Designed to fit seamlessly into any operation, it offers not only high-quality prints but also a suite of advanced features that make it a perfect fit for both large enterprises and small businesses alike. Let’s take a deeper dive into the key features that make the Cembre MG4 a revolutionary tool for industrial labelling.
Technical Specifications
Key Features of the Cembre MG4
Advanced Ribbon-Saving Technology
Cembre has incorporated an innovative ribbon-saving system into the MG4, optimising ribbon usage for maximum efficiency. This reduces waste and operational costs, ensuring that only the necessary amount of ribbon is consumed for each print job. Not only does this make it more cost-effective, but it’s also environmentally friendly – a big plus for sustainability-conscious businesses.
Intuitive User Interface
The MG4 features a large 5-inch touchscreen display, providing users with a user-friendly interface to manage print projects with ease. Whether used in an office environment, production facility, or directly on-site, the simple setup and operation streamline daily tasks, making the MG4E the perfect solution for both novice and experienced users alike.
Versatile Power Options
The MG4 offers flexibility with its power supply options. It can run off a mains power source or be powered by Cembre CAS Alliance rechargeable batteries. This dual power capability ensures that the MG4 is fully portable, meaning you can take it directly to the site of your marking task, increasing productivity in the process.
Comprehensive Connectivity
In today’s interconnected world, flexibility is crucial, and the MG4 delivers with a variety of connectivity options. Whether using USB, LAN, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi Direct, you can easily print directly from a PC, smartphone, or tablet. This feature maximises convenience for users, ensuring a smooth and adaptable workflow regardless of the work environment.
Exceptional Print Quality
The MG4E is engineered to provide high-quality, durable prints. With a resolution of 300 x 600 DPI and a maximum print area of 140 x 110 mm, you can rely on the printer to produce crisp, clear labels that stand up to harsh environments. Whether printing on PVC, polyolefin, or halogen-free polycarbonate materials, your labels will remain legible and intact, even under demanding conditions.
Robust and Durable Design
Durability is a key concern in industrial environments, and the Cembre MG4 excels in this area. Built with a rugged, industrial-grade design, this thermal transfer printer is built to withstand heavy-duty use in even the toughest of conditions. Its strong construction ensures that you can rely on it day in, day out, no matter how challenging your work environment.
High-Speed Printing
Speed is essential when managing large print jobs, and the MG4 delivers. Capable of printing 112 cable tags in under 20 seconds, the MG4 ensures that time-consuming tasks are completed swiftly, boosting productivity and minimizing downtime.
Seamless Integration with Design Software
Designed with efficiency in mind, the MG4 integrates with Eplan Electric P8 and GeniusPro software, allowing users to import projects directly from the design software to the printer. This feature eliminates the need for manual setup, automates the tag and label printing process, and enables a streamlined workflow that maximises productivity.
Cembre is a leading European manufacturer of electrical connectors, crimping tools, cutting tools, and a variety of accessories for LV (low voltage), MV (medium voltage), and HV (high voltage) power systems. Designed for switchgear and control panels, Cembre tools are ideal for installing low and medium voltage connectors and cable lugs.
(L To R) – Jessica Williams (CEO of Just Williams Ltd), Dylan White (Sales Engineer), Regan Redpath (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Chloe Johnston (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Charlie Baines (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Aiden Dawson (SEO Specialist), Laurence Taylor (Sales Engineer), Ella Bradley (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Mia Lynn (Administrative Assistant Apprentice), Millie Temple (Content Creator Apprentice).
Yesterday, the team at Thorne & Derrick International had the pleasure of hosting JWSA Sales Academy for an intensive and engaging sales and marketing training session. Led by Jessica Williams, founder and CEO of Just Williams Ltd, the session brought fresh insights, practical tools, and strategies to strengthen Thorne & Derrick’s position as a leader in hazardous areas and industrial equipment distribution.
The training session centred around building a solutions-driven mindset—one that addresses customer pain points with tailored approaches. The session kicked off with an engaging presentation by Jessica, who encouraged the team to think beyond traditional sales & marketing tactics and focus on crafting customer-centric solutions.
Topics covered included:
The team actively participated in discussions, sharing their experiences while absorbing Jessica’s expert advice. It was a collaborative and motivating environment that combined Thorne & Derrick’s expertise with Jessica’s fresh perspective. The exercises and tailored examples resonated with everyone, making the session not just theoretical but highly practical.
The highlight of the day was the hands-on application of key principles, with the team brainstorming real-world scenarios to practice their new skills. This tangible approach ensured everyone left the session feeling confident and empowered to implement what they’d learned.
Jessica also got hands-on with Thorne & Derrick’s ShoveIt manufactured by Hand Safety Tool, showcasing her enthusiasm for the company’s innovative products.
Thorne & Derrick’s team expressed their appreciation for the session, describing it as an invigorating experience. One team member noted, “The tools and strategies we learned today will have an immediate impact on the way we approach clients and marketing efforts. Jessica’s insight was invaluable.”
As the team applies their newfound skills, customers can expect an even higher standard of service and solutions from Thorne & Derrick. Yesterday’s training is a clear step forward in their journey to deliver excellence and innovation at every turn.
Feel free to contact us today to discuss any of your upcoming projects or enquiries!
Aiden Dawson (SEO Specialist) – “Jess’ sales academy was executed brilliantly, being straight-up, insightful and perfect for building on team unity. Jess as a person, is a breath of fresh air and offers a multitude of skill sets that allowed her to dissect the ins and outs of T&D’s sales and marketing structure in no time at all, providing the opportunity to uncover the chinks in our armour and delivering crucial insights on how we can improve, both as a team and individually. It’s clear why the Just Williams Sales Academy is an ideal solution to business growth and I’d personally recommend the academy to any business, regardless of industry or niche.”
Chloe Johnston – (Apprentice Sales Engineer) – “The Just Williams Sales Academy was valuable and insightful in providing practical, hands-on training in key sales skills. It offered a structured approach to improving communication, client engagement, and relationship-building techniques. The academy enabled us to understand the sales process, from prospecting to closing deals. It also provided valuable insights into overcoming objections and tailoring sales strategies to meet individual client needs. Jess expressed the value of Linked In and how we can interact with our customers and connections.”
Charlie Baines (Apprentice Sales Engineer) – “Jess’ sales academy was masterfully conducted, providing direct, insightful training that strengthened team cohesion. Jess brings a refreshing presence and a wide range of skills, allowing her to swiftly evaluate T&D’s sales and marketing framework, pinpoint areas for improvement, and offer essential guidance for both team and individual growth. I would recommend the sales academy to any business, as I am sure the other participants would also.”
Ella Bradley (Apprentice Sales Engineer) – “Yesterday’s training not only emphasized personal growth and self-improvement but also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie within our sales team. It was inspiring to experience the collective support and encouragement from everyone, which reinforced the collaborative culture we strive to cultivate. The session provided valuable insights into both individual and team development, leaving us feeling more motivated and united as we continue to pursue our goals together.”
Laurence Taylor (Sales Engineer) – “Jess Williams’ sales training was truly exceptional. The sessions were engaging and packed with practical strategies and tips that can be applied immediately. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to boost their sales skills and achieve better results.”
Mia Lynn (Administrative Assistant Apprentice) – “I personally thought Jess’s training was very insightful and to a high standard. The icebreaker she used was a good way to make us all feel engaged and comfortable. The way she spoke to us as the audience was professional but passionate and interesting. Overall, I’d recommend ‘Just Williams’ to any business that is looking for a service like theirs.”
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to international Utilities, UK DNO’s, ICP’s and HV Jointing Contractors of an extensive range of LV HV Cable Jointing, Substation, Tooling & Installation Equipment from 600V to 66kV – we service wind energy, solar power, battery storage, rail, utility, datacentre and the explosive atmosphere industries.
Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.
Key Product Categories: Connectors, Joints & Terminations MV HV | Cable Preparation & Jointing Tools | Duct Seals | Cable Transits | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection | Cable Pulling | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars
Panduit manufacture an extensive range of industry approved cable ties with styles, sizes and materials including stainless steel to meet a full range of electrical, industrial, and networking applications. Nylon 612 cable ties are manufactured by Panduit are trusted to bundle, support, fasten and manage data, telecoms, control, instrumentation and power LV MV HV cables in industrial and hazardous area industries including oil/gas, petrochemical, rail, renewable, construction and mining/quarrying industries.
The typical 100 MW solar project uses over one million cable ties to manage miles of PV wire at every stage of the DC distribution system. Typical plastic ties are not expected to last the entire 25+ year operating life of a solar power plant. When they fail, you pay for a new tie in addition to the labor for installation, and those costs add up quickly. But some nylon blends do a whole lot better in this tough application than others, so proper tie selection can help maximize long-term reliability and ROI .
The tie degraded and failed after 3000 hours of UV exposure in the lab.
Material selection is paramount whenever cable ties are exposed to the outdoors. One of the most advanced formulations for such applications is that of Nylon 612, offering unrivaled durability and resistance to UV and chemical attack. Among other nylon variants such as 6.6 and 12, Nylon 612 has emerged as the ideal choice for solar cable management.
One of the major challenges for cable ties to be used outdoors is from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Materials engineers improve UV resistance through the addition of additives that block, absorb, or stabilize against UV radiation. For example, a typical outdoor-rated Nylon 6.6 features carbon black, which blocks UV radiation and greatly lengthens the material‘s life in the sun. These ties will also fail over time in direct sun exposure even with carbon black.
On the other hand, Nylon 612 offers up to 10 times more UV resistance compared to the standard black Nylon 6.6 ties. This increased resistance ensures long-term performance in solar installations and makes it an excellent material for projects requiring durable, low-maintenance cable management solutions.
Beyond UV exposure, outdoor environments introduce other stressors that can degrade plastics. Atmospheric moisture from rain, fog, and marine environments can vary in pH levels and introduce high salt concentrations. In cases where moisture interacts with coated metals, weak concentrations of zinc chloride may also appear, posing a challenge for standard nylon materials.
Although nylon is naturally resistant to many chemicals, harsh outdoor conditions can push its limits. It is here that Nylon 612 excels. Having a chemical resistance profile similar to the premium Nylon 12, Nylon 612 resists degradation from acids, alkalis, and salts. The table below highlights its superior performance:
| Solution | Nylon 6.6 | Nylon 612 | Nylon 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% HCl | Poor | Excellent | Good |
| 35% NaOH | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| 50% ZnCl2 | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Panduit Nylon 612 cable ties represent the best in class, with up to a 20-plus year outdoor life expectancy. Such ties are supported by a 20-Year Build Solar Better Warranty for assurance to solar installers. Reliability of a “fit-and-forget“ nature reduces long-term maintenance costs and improves overall return on investment.
While Nylon 612 is a great material for solar cable ties, some engineers prefer to specify alternatives for certain projects. Stainless steel ties, like Panduit‘s Stronghold Stainless Steel Ties, boast unparalleled durability and can often last the life of a solar project. For flexible installations, Solar Wire Hangers may also be a practical solution.
Network Infrastructure & Industrial Electrical Wiring
Should you require customer service, specification support or a competitive quotation please do not hesitate to contact us – extensive range of Cable Accessories, Protection & Management products available for LV MV HV Electrical Infrastructure projects in commercial, industrial and hazardous area sectors.
Wiring Duct | Cable Terminals | Absence of Voltage Testing | Cable Cleats | Cable Identification | Cable Ties | Abrasion Protection & Heat Shrink | LV HV Cable Accessories | Lockout Tagout | Stainless Steel Cable Ties & Identification | Panel Systems | Grounding Connectors | Contact us for Further Information
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