UK business minister Michael Fallon opened market leader Bridon International’s new state-ofthe-art wire rope manufacturing facility in Newcastle last month. The event marked the commencement of manufacturing at Bridon Neptune Quay, developed with the offshore sector’s need for larger and more complex ropes very much in mind. The facility will have the capacity to produce highly engineered ropes in package weights of 650te, boasting enhanced breaking loads, optimised bend fatigue performance, effective lubrication, and minimal rotation under load.