Superior Essex and Leviton Introduce 10 Gigabit Ethernet Over
Copper Cabling System

Las Vegas, NV, April 29, 2005 – Superior Essex (NASDAQ: SPSX) and Leviton Manufacturing jointly announced today the introduction of NextLAN ® 10G c, a UTP copper cabling system designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet transmission for 100 meters. NextLAN 10G c is the first UTP cabling system to fully comply with the latest draft ANSI/TIA standard for 10-Gigabit Ethernet cabling requirements with a 4dB margin guarantee for Power Sum ACR.

10 Gigabit Ethernet systems have been in use for several years over fiber optic cable like the NextLAN 10G F 50 micron laser optimized system. Only recently has the electronics industry begun specifications for 10GBASE-T, a 10 Gigabit Ethernet protocol standard designed to run over copper structured cabling. The data speeds afforded by 10GBASE-T are ten times the current maximum data speeds of copper networks. The continued growth of data-intensive applications, (i.e., video imaging, high-speed data storage, internet browsing, file sharing, etc.) is fueling the need for 10 Gigabit Ethernet backbone networks, especially in corporate offices, campuses, medical centers and data centers.

NextLAN 10G c is the outcome of several advancements in copper UTP cable and connectivity that collectively provide a channel that is robust enough to support the most demanding test scenarios for 10 Gigabit Ethernet transmission. The proprietary designs of the new NextLAN 10G c components (including 10Gain ™ cable and eXtreme ® 10G connectors) provide customers with exceptionally matched electrical performance and functionality, backward compatibility with legacy Leviton connectivity, and a design that is as easy to install as the NextLAN Category 6 system.

“The demand for 10 Gigabit Ethernet over UTP copper cabling is being driven by economics and familiarity,” said Bill Slater, Enterprise Networking Manager for Leviton. “10GBASE-T switches and NICs will be less expensive when they are introduced than comparable fiber cards running 10GBE. For data centers and SAN’s that require 1 Gigabit Ethernet now, but want the infrastructure in place for 10GBE later, a 10G copper system makes economic sense. In addition, many users prefer the ease-of-installation advantage that copper has over optical fiber.”

“10Gain UTP cable provides exceptional internal and alien cross-talk performance without resorting to an odd-shaped design, or extra elements that can slow installations,” said Dr. Paul Neveux, Director of Premises Cable Product Management for Superior Essex. “For 10G Ethernet applications, Power Sum ACR is one of the best indicators of channel performance because it is directly proportional to the signal-to-noise ratio of the system and is the best gauge of channel headroom. Because of this, we focused our system design on offering the best Power Sum ACR margin in the industry.”

About NextLAN
NextLAN is a suite of high-performance copper and fiber channel systems comprised of Leviton connectivity and Superior Essex cabling products. NextLAN systems encompass virtually all components used within the horizontal and backbone cabling infrastructure, including Category 5e/6 cabling, fiber cabling, workstation outlets, cross connect panels, and interface cords. NextLAN systems additionally offer a Lifetime Warranty on certified installation, a rigorous certification/training program for installers, quarterly independent testing, and guaranteed electrical performance which exceeds industry minimum specifications.

Additional details on NextLAN systems are available at www.nextlansystems.com

About Superior Essex
Superior Essex Inc. is one of the largest North American wire and cable manufacturers and among the largest wire and cable manufacturers in the world. Superior Essex manufactures a broad portfolio of wire and cable products with primary applications in the communications, magnet wire, and related distribution markets. The Company is a leading manufacturer and supplier of copper and fiber optic communications wire and cable products to telephone companies, distributors and system integrators; a leading manufacturer and supplier of magnet wire and fabricated insulation products to major original equipment manufacturers (OEM) for use in motors, transformers, generators and electrical controls; and a distributor of magnet wire, insulation, and related products to smaller OEMs and motor repair facilities. Additional information can be found on the Company's web site at www.superioressex.com.

About Leviton
The Leviton Voice & Data Division is a Division of Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc., a world-renowned corporation with a long and successful history. Building upon nine decades of experience, today Leviton is among the largest companies in the world specializing in the design, development, and production of electrical and telecommunications wiring devices. Leviton products offer wiring device solutions for both domestic and international sales in residential, institutional and commercial markets. Leviton Voice & Data is dedicated to producing complete system solutions for network infrastructure, from the backbone to the workstation, incorporating fiber and copper innovations to create the best, most integrated network possible Leviton Voice & Data produces connectors, cabling assemblies, panels, wallplates and workstation solutions, cable management, and home technology equipment for commercial and residential uses. For more information, visit the Leviton Voice & Data website at www.levitonvoicedata.com.

Superior Essex Contact:
Gayle Watson
Marketing Program Manager
Superior Essex
150 Interstate North Parkway
Atlanta , GA 30339
gayle.watson@spsx.com
(770) 657-6809

Leviton Contact:
Sales Support
Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc.
2222-222nd Street SE
Bothell , WA 98021
info@levitonvoicedata.com