Julian Baseley, Chairman and CEOWith a footprint spanning over 20 countries, Clarke Cable caters to the complex needs of clients across many sectors, including the National Health Service, the Ministry of Defence, large-scale events, domestic appliances, industrial manufacturing and construction.
“Each customer brings a different challenge. We respond by designing custom moulds or novel solutions to their specific needs,” says Julian Baseley, Chairman and CEO.
This includes manufacturing cables to any specification, with a range of lengths, breakouts, terminations, plugs, and connectors meeting the client’s distinct requirements.
Leading the pack are curly cables, including a plug-and-play version that combines power and data, ideal for efficient setups at events and in environments like hospitals, where they also benefit from antimicrobial cable. Harnesses and wiring looms are also available for various equipment, including cookers, washing machines, power boats, and construction machinery. A key specialty is long-length cables for tunnelling equipment, supplied on 100- or 200-metre drums to streamline installation and reduce the need for on-site electricians.
Combining Experience and Innovation to Offer Superior Solutions
The tagline “Your Concept, Our Creativity” embodies Clarke Cable’s dedication to transforming client ideas into reality. Clients often have a vision for their next product but lack the expertise to realise it. Clarke Cable addresses this by collaborating closely with clients to refine their concepts and develop solutions. This includes providing CAD drawings as a comprehensive service to ensure swift and efficient project execution.
Each customer brings a different challenge. We respond by designing custom moulds or novel solutions to their specific needs
The cables also play a vital role in the fast-paced world of live events. During the Muse world tour, Clarke Cable offered advanced plug-and-play solutions to handle power and data. This solution has become indispensable for major events, including The Rolling Stones tour, Beyoncé’s world tour and the Glastonbury Festival.
One-of-a-kind cable assembly configurations are central to Clarke’s success in meeting diverse client needs. The standardised and custom cable solutions offer seamless integration and superior performance at competitive prices.
A notable example is the Arcadia Spider, a massive mechanical structure showcased at major festivals like Glastonbury and other global events. Given its need to be easily assembled and disassembled for various venues, the organisers required an efficient connection system.
Clarke provided a robust and user-friendly system that streamlined the installation process. The deputy tech manager testified that the solution was “the most durable cable solution I’ve ever used,” noting that it saved up to 200 work hours per installation. This efficiency reduced stress level for the organisers, minimised contingencies and enhanced the show experience.
Another innovation involves low-smoke zero-halogen (LS0H) cables, acclaimed for their safety benefits. Moulding these cables proved challenging due to their heat-sensitive material. Clarke Cable’s engineers tackled this issue by developing a specialised cooling process. This groundbreaking solution has transformed a significant challenge into a major success and gained widespread adoption.
On-Time Delivery of Bespoke Solutions
Clarke Cable employs 22 plastic injection moulding machines, offering substantial moulding and testing capabilities to ensure product durability. With in-house prototyping, design expertise and contract manufacturing capabilities, it has contributed significantly to the reshoring trend, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and promptly delivering high-volume orders.
When a major client faced a crisis due to a failed supplier, Clarke was asked to deliver 1,000 harness assemblies per day. Despite starting from scratch without initial drawings, its team quickly devised solutions, recruited additional staff and met the urgent demand with impressive efficiency.
Whether handling small or large orders, Clarke values each client’s needs and delivers high-quality, custom solutions. Its commitment to exceptional service ensures that it addresses every demand, no matter how small, approaching each opportunity proactively and meticulously.
Quality is a cornerstone of its operations, with European-manufactured components ensuring high standards and upholding British manufacturing integrity. Supported by a team of highly skilled professionals trained across multiple disciplines, Clarke Cable swiftly adapts to diverse customer needs by reallocating team members as required. This flexibility is essential for maintaining high standards while managing a wide range of cable assemblies, allowing for efficient scaling of production capacity during peak periods.
Upholding its legacy of brilliance, Clarke Cable combines technical prowess with top-tier customer support, driving its growth and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in cable manufacturing across multiple industries.
