Houston Wire & Cable Co. (Nasdaq: HWCC), Houston, Texas, on Wednesday announced that it has agreed to sell its Southwest Wire Rope business in an asset transaction for $5 million.

The sale of Southern Wire Rope, a Houston-based provider of lifting slings and wire rope and rigging products, excludes $2.6 million of trade accounts receivable, which HWCC will retain. HWCC said it expects to use the net sales proceeds and accounts receivable collections to further reduce revolver debt.

“Southwest Wire Rope is a company that for over 50 years has been a leading supplier of quality lifting slings, wire rope and rigging supplies to the lifting industry,” said James L. Pokluda III, HWCC president and CEO. “We wish them much success in the future. Proceeds from the sales of Southern Wire and Southwest Wire Rope allow us to reduce debt, which lessens financial risk in these uncertain times.”