AFL Telecommunications Celebrates Silver Anniversary

AFL Telecommunications, a division of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. Organized in 1984, AFL started as a joint venture between Alcoa, then known as the Aluminum Company of America, and Fujikura Ltd., a leader in the telecommunications and automotive industries, and built its manufacturing operations in Duncan, South Carolina. Initially focused on the supply of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) to utilities, AFL has since expanded its portfolio to include conductor accessories, fusion splicers, optical connectivity and fiber management. AFL entered the services business to expand its offering to its customer base, providing a total "one-stop" solution.

Over the years, AFL has expanded its facilities to include Mexico and Europe and added sales offices throughout the world. As the market continuously changes, AFL seeks new opportunities in fields such as oil and gas, medical, mining and broadcast while remaining competitive in its current markets including broadband, telecom, utility and enterprise networks.

"As we look towards the future, we expect continued growth and see the next 25 years to be just as exciting and rewarding as the first," said Jody Gallagher, President and CEO of AFL Telecommunications. "We wouldn’t have made it this far without the commitment of our employees. It’s through their dedication and hard work that we’ve made it this far, and they are to be commended."

AFL is marking this occasion with a Family Fun Day for AFL associates and family members. For additional information on AFL Telecommunications and Fujikura, visit www.AFLtele.com.

Spartanburg Methodist College Recipient of Fujikura Foundation Grant - $2500 Supports Campus Service Program

AFL Telecommunications announces that Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) is the recipient of a $2,500 Fujikura Foundation grant to support its Campus Service program. Through Campus Service, SMC provides two college students to assist at Carver Junior High School with the AVID program which pulls students out of unchallenging course and places them on the college track.

"Among the leaders of the Upstate area, and the State of South Carolina, one of the main concerns is that we all need to come together to raise the number of college-educated persons in our state," said Mr. Donald Tate, Director of Development for SMC. "As we develop a successful track record at Carver Junior High School, support to this program is crucial. We appreciate the donation by the Fujikura Foundation and look forward to having a positive impact on the lives of students in our area."

Carver Junior High is the first school in the Upstate of South Carolina to implement this program which is being used in 3,800 schools in 45 states, Washington, DC, and 15 countries with over 200,000 students enrolled in the AVID elective. The primary purpose of the AVID program is to increase the college-going rate for students from low-income and minority families.

"AFL is excited to have the opportunity to support SMC and the AVID program here in the Upstate," stated Corie Culp, Community Relations Manager for AFL Telecommunications. "We are committed to improving education and success rates in the state of South Carolina and believe we have an impact serving SMC's efforts."

The mission of Spartanburg Methodist College is to develop the worth and abilities of each individual through programs relevant to academic and personal needs. This program offers students the option of transferring to a four-year college or university for continued study or entering a career after graduation.

For additional information on AFL Telecommunications and the Fujikura Foundation, visitwww.AFLtele.com.

AFL Launches Broadcast Fiber Optic Cable

AFL Telecommunications announces the introduction of its new Broadcast Fiber Optic Cable. This flexible tight-buffered cable is ideal for use in installations where extreme environmental conditions are present. Consisting of a cut-resistant, flame retardant polyurethane outer jacket, the broadcast cable is designed to be deployed and retrieved in the field and is highly resistant to damage caused by repetitive impact or harsh conditions. The cable performs within a wide temperature range and is water and UV resistant.

Additional applications include high traffic areas, security and sensing applications, sporting and media events, and as a temporary installation of critical communications lines where quick retrieval and re-use is necessary.

For additional information on this product and other fiber optic cables and accessories, visitwww.AFLtele.com.