Behind Mobiway POP Connect lies a close collaboration between Nexans and Kickmaker. We spoke with Marie de Williencourt, Marketing & Innovation Director at Nexans and Jean-Christophe Papelard, Project Manager at Kickmaker, about how the project came together.
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Can you introduce Nexans ?
Marie de Williencourt, Marketing & Innovation Director, Nexans:
“Ranked #2 worldwide in the manufacturing of electrical cables, Nexans is a pure player in sustainable electrification and a global leader in the design of systems essential to the transition toward a connected, resilient, and low-carbon future. Nexans plays a key role across energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications. From onshore and offshore renewable energy to smart cities and smart buildings, Nexans designs and deploys advanced cabling solutions, accessories, and services that electrify progress in a safe, efficient, and sustainable way.
With more than 140 years of history, Nexans relies on three main business activities, PWR Transmission, PWR Grid, and PWR Connect, combining deep industrial expertise with cutting-edge innovation to accelerate the energy transition while meeting customer needs. Its unique E3 model, built on Environment, Economy, and Engagement, guides every action, aligning performance with purpose.
Present in 41 countries, Nexans employs 28,500 people and generated USD8.2 billion in standard sales in 2024. Recognized as a leader in climate action, Nexans is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), while also working to improve access to energy through the Nexans Foundation.”
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Why develop a solution like Mobiway POP Connect?
Marie de Williencourt :
“As with every innovation at Nexans, the idea started from our determination to address the everyday pain points of electricians:
- Cable pulling operations are physically demanding and can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
- The need to know the remaining cable length on a reel in order to optimize stock
- Stock management is often not digitized
- The need for a connected tool that improves productivity while minimizing cable waste
Mobiway POP Connect was designed to address all these challenges.”
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Why did you choose Kickmaker as a partner to develop Mobiway POP Connect, and how was their role decisive throughout the project?
Marie de Williencourt :
“The choice was strategic: we needed a partner capable of supporting us across the entire solution (hardware + application) and throughout the full development cycle, from POC (proof of concept) to mass production.
Of course, Kickmaker’s expertise and experience in developing and industrializing connected products were key success factors for us. Their extensive network of industrial partners for the production phase, while ensuring Nexans retains full intellectual property was also essential.
We were closely involved in technology and design decisions, which directly contributed to reducing the product’s time to market.
And finally, the human side and our close collaboration were truly the cornerstone of this success: between Nexans and Kickmaker, everything flows smoothly.”
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What were the most complex moments of this project and how did you overcome them?
Jean-Christophe Papelard, Project Manager, Kickmaker :
“I would say identifying new features to implement on the product.
To avoid delaying the schedule, we occasionally reinforced the team with additional Kickmaker resources, as the development timeline for industrialization was maintained at just one and a half years.
At Kickmaker, we give everything to ensure the success of our clients’ projects, it’s in our DNA.”
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What differentiates Mobiway POP Connect from other solutions on the market? What are the main innovations for users?
Marie de Williencourt :
“Mobiway POP Connect introduces smart and accessible connectivity into cable management. Users can easily track the lengths consumed and remaining in real time. This innovation reduces mental load, waste, and time spent on non-productive tasks. It turns a simple professional action into an immediate source of value.
Mobiway POP Connect is the first connected solution designed for installers offering these kinds of features. It stands out above all for its simplicity of use, designed specifically for field conditions.
It is a unique Nexans innovation that requires neither complex installation nor changes in working habits. It integrates naturally into electricians’ daily practices through an intuitive tool and mobile application.
The result: fewer constraints, greater efficiency on a daily basis.”
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What are your future ambitions?
Marie de Williencourt :
“Our ambition is to develop a full range of connected digital solutions around Mobiway. The objective is clear: improve working conditions and sustainably simplify electricians’ daily lives.
We aim to build an evolving ecosystem, centered on real-world usage and field performance. The partnership with Kickmaker has been key and highly appreciated in driving this innovation dynamic.”
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Beyond the technical aspects, how does Kickmaker become an extension of the teams of large companies like Nexans in a project of this scale?
Jean-Christophe Papelard :
“Communication is key in projects like this: keeping the client at the center, with regular check-ins and working sessions.
Kickmaker develops hundreds of products every year, and our development process is highly structured with state-of-the-art project management tools, for example to track design changes, manage the project risk matrix, test plans, design reviews, and more.
The strength of our community also comes from an internal social network, where we share project feedback, challenges encountered, and how they were solved.”
