Nexans, the Paris-based global expert in cables and cabling systems, has started commercial production at its Qatar joint venture plant in Mesaieed Industrial City, some 40 km from the capital Doha.

The venture named Qatar International Cable Company (QICC) is expected to generate business of more than $100 million in 2011.

It makes low, medium and low-end high voltage power cables for the energy infrastructure and special cables for the oil and gas industry.

“The opening of this flagship plant in Qatar is a key strategic step that enables Nexans to address the specific needs of the buoyant and growing market in the Gulf coast countries,” said Frédéric Vincent, chairman and CEO of Nexans.

“It adds high-quality, high-volume local manufacturing capability to the effective engineering, sales and customer support services already established in this area,” he added.

QICC was established in June 2008 as a joint venture company between Nexans (30 per cent), Special Projects Company and Al Neama Industrial Company.

It is under the operational management of Nexans and is targeting the local market plus companies in  the wider Gulf and Yemen.