Founded on 11 February 1911, Nexans North America- then named Canada Wire & Cable, began operations by supplying power cables to the hydropower market in Ontario, Canada. Now, with 11 facilities and more than 1500 employees throughout North America, Nexans remains innovative, carrying on its tradition of excellence as a considerable successful cable company. 100 years ago, the construction of the first hydro-generating plant in Niagara Falls presented a challenge to develop an economical way to bring this energy to Southern Ontario. Five entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to develop the cable technology required, and Canada Wire & Cable was created. Products offered by the company continued to expand and by 1920 included building wire, weatherproof wires and bare rectangular copper wire. The company acquired several rubber mills, to ensure a steady supply of materials. By 1931, they also acquired a copper rod mill which is still operating in Montreal East, QC today. In honor of its 100th anniversary, Nexans has created the Nexans CONNECTS program for community outreach and support. In support of higher education, the Nexans CONNECTS program establishes many scholarship opportunities for the families of Nexans North America employees.