Proton Cable: Pioneering Sustainable and innovative Cable Production in Kosovo

In 2017, the company launched the section on copper wire processing, increasing their independence from raw material producers and their sustainability in the market. As a company focused on innovation and keeping up with developments in the international market, they discovered that the European Union had introduced a new directive stating that cables used in public spaces should be halogen-free. These cables, when in contact with fire, should not release harmful gases, which would harm the environment or human health. ”We also found out that there were no halogen-free cable producers in our region, and the cost of technology for their production was relatively high,” says Besim.

Proton Cable decided to become the first company in the region to introduce halogen-free cables compatible with EU standards. The company had successfully launched the cable and copper wire factory, but as this latest initiative was financially highly challenging, they sought help, and support came from the European Union. The EU support them in procuring technology for the halogen-free cable production line and for the Sheathing compound Granulator line.

Furthermore, the company was able to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the shortage of sheathing granulator producers caused by the war in Ukraine. “As we had the new technology procured with the EU support up and running, we decided to use this opportunity and expand our market,” says Besim. Proton cable began exporting to nearby countries and has now further expanded its market to include Austria and Croatia.

Proton is looking forward to further expanding its market and is lobbying with institutions to adapt the EU directive for electric cable use on public spaces in Kosovo.” This grant from the EU was a turning point for us. We are the first halogen-free cable producers in the region, and now are exporting, including to EU countries,” says Besim.

Thanks to the support received, Proton also increased its number of employees. 129 people were trained basics of electrical installation and use of Halogen-Free cables, and 17 of them found immediate employment in Proton Cable Factory. Fifty of them completed internships, while the remaining 58 increased their skills and found jobs in other companies.