AFL Introduces New Wall Mount Enclosures

AFL is launching two new wall mount interconnect enclosures (WME), providing a convergence point for interconnecting and / or splicing in wall mount applications. With capabilities of 12 to 24 fiber patch and splice densities, the enclosures are provisioned for up to two LGX® compatible adapter plates or optical modules. The modular design is fully compatible with PoliMOD products and XFM optical cassettes.

One of the most distinguishing features is the well-engineered solution for fiber and cable management on both the ingress and egress openings of the enclosure. The u-shaped cable entry eliminates the need to feed pre-connectorized cables through an inconvenient access port. The robust steel construction provides the highest level of protection for sensitive components while integrated roll-formed hinges eliminate possible fiber pinch points when deploying or servicing components.

All WME series enclosures feature discrete access doors for provider and customer access which are independently lockable with a common pad-lock or tube-style keyed lock. Ideal for co-locations sites, customer premise, hub and OTN sites, telecommunications closets, and campus / enterprise environments.

The new wall mount interconnect enclosures are available immediately. For additional information, visit www.AFLtele.com.

AFL Opens New Fiber Optic Facility in UK

AFL today announced it is opening a second fiber optic facility to support the European region with customized optical fiber interconnect cables used for communication applications. The new facility is located in the Hawksworth Trading Estate. AFL expects to hire additional personnel to staff the new facility. “As fiber rich communication applications continue to grow, AFL will now be able to offer shorter lead times to our customers allowing us to be more responsive in the European market,” said Paul Thompson, Managing Director of AFL Europe. “In addition, the infrastructure and location of the town enables convenient transport and efficient international distribution.”

AFL’s Swindon facility manufactures and supplies fiber optic cable solutions and services throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This facility is home to the unique AFL SkyWrap® solution for wrapping fiber optic cable on existing power lines, and also MicroCore blown fiber cable for FTTH applications. AFL’s corporate headquarters is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina where fiber optic cable and conductor accessories are manufactured.

“We are delighted to be opening this new facility, ultimately creating 24 new jobs in the area,” said Margaret Harman, HR and EHS Manager at AFL. “AFL has a long and successful history of manufacturing in Europe, reflected in the decision to open a new facility here.”

Recruitment is underway to fill new positions. Production training will begin in mid-October. For more information about available job opportunities, please email jobs@afl-europe.com.

AFL Acquires Verrillon, Inc.

Company now offering specialty optical fibers in oil and gas, avionics, and industrial markets

AFL today announced it has agreed to acquire Verrillon, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty optical fibers in the oil and gas, avionics and industrial markets. This acquisition enhances AFL’s portfolio of fiber optic products, adding specialty optical fiber to its portfolio and further strengthening its position as a market leader of fiber optic solutions. In addition to reinforcing AFL’s leadership position in downhole fiber optic cable, this acquisition provides AFL access to other specialty fiber markets including industrial and sensing.

“At AFL, we were very impressed with Verrillon’s proven team, outstanding product set, and market traction,” stated Kurt Dallas, Vice President and General Manager, at AFL. “We know that the integration of Verrillon into AFL provides many synergies and growth opportunities globally.”

With manufacturing operations in North Grafton, Massachusetts, Verrillon specializes in designing and customizing specialized fibers for harsh environments including hermetic, high temperature, polarization-maintaining and rare-earth doped fibers.

“Verrillon and AFL offer complementary products to various markets. By bringing the two teams together, we are well positioned to take full advantage of the growing markets we serve while reinforcing our commitment to the industry and to our customers,” commented Dr. Abdel Soufiane, President and CEO of Verrillon. “We are proud to be part of a growing global company and look forward to collaborating on future projects.” With the close of the acquisition, Dr. Soufiane will remain with AFL as Managing Director and CTO.

AFL manufactures fiber optic cables and components in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the United Kingdom and Germany. Verrillon will continue to operate its current facility in Massachusetts. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.