Fuller Center for Housing of Spartanburg Receives Fujikura Foundation Grant

$3,000 supports revitalization of homes in Spartanburg County

Members of AFL Telecommunications’ Fujikura Foundation committee presented a $3,000 grant to The Fuller Center for Housing of Spartanburg, an organization that repairs and renovates home of senior citizens and disabled residents. The grant will support the revitalization of three homes in the Spartanburg area, ultimately providing the opportunity for citizens to stay at home as long as possible.

AFL plans to further support the Fuller Center by sending out volunteers from the company to assist at a home in the Reidville area. Volunteers will gather over several weekends to provide assistance with home repairs and grounds work in the fall.

“We were struck by the Fuller’s Center commitment to help those in need – especially those who want to stay in their homes, who are able to stay in their homes, and just need a helping hand to make it a safer place to reside,” said Corie Culp, community relations manager for AFL. “AFL is honored to assist our community and to a program that aids those in need.”

In 2005, Millard and Linda Fuller launched The Fuller Center for Housing which is currently building and renovating homes in 17 countries and 57 communities in the United States. Its mission is to help the more than one billion people worldwide who live in poverty housing and the 100 million who are homeless.

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

AFL Telecommunications Presents United Way of the Piedmont With $60K in Campaign Contributions

Spartanburg, South Carolina - June 11, 2009
On June 11, AFL Telecommunications presented a $60,000 check for its annual United Way campaign to Kathy Dunleavy, President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. This year’s contribution is an increase of 45% over the 2008 campaign.

“With the downturn in the economy, we didn’t set high expectations and were hoping to maintain last year’s giving or give slightly higher,” said Corie Culp, community relations manager of AFL Telecommunications. “But at a time when our community needs us the most, our associates really stepped up to the plate to give back.” Employee giving increased 47% over the 2008 campaign.

AFL kicked off its campaign with a corporate contribution of $5,000 and two challenges – AFL matched, dollar for dollar, all monies donated over last year’s employee contributions; and teams were set up with various goals to attain, earning associates an additional vacation day. AFL ambassadors were recruited internally to answer questions and talk with other associates about United Way and their mission, as well as encourage associates to donate, making them aware of the different goals. AFL held an Agency Fair in early May where various agencies from both Spartanburg and Greenville where invited set up a display and talk with associates about what they do, what their needs are and how they can help. And lastly, AFL hosted a company carnival where associates competed for prizes and bragging rights with a Rock Star Wii competition, basketball hoops competition, putting green, horseshoes and adult trike races.

“When we plan our events, we want to accomplish two things – inform associates about United Way and community agencies and generate excitement about what they do that helps our community prosper,” said Sherise Brown, Human Resources Director. “We’re pleased to support United Way each year and we thank our employees for helping to make this year’s campaign a monumental success.”

About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.

Carolina First Center for Excellence Receives Fujikura Foundation Grant

$5,250 Grant Supports Program Expansion

Spartanburg, South Carolina - May 6, 2009
AFL Telecommunications announces that the Carolina First Center for Excellence, operating under the Greenville Chamber Foundation, is the recipient of a $5,250 Fujikura Foundation grant in support of growth and expansion efforts. The grant spans a one-year time frame.

"Dedication to the future of our workforce is evident in with the Carolina First Center for Excellence," said Corie Culp, Community Relations Manager for AFL Telecommunications. "They have taken on a large endeavor to work through our education system to benefit the future of our community, helping to produce a highly qualified workforce essential to the success of the Upstate. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to support their mission and know that what the Center for Excellence provides will have a lasting impact on our future leaders."

The Fujikura Foundation grant is supporting expansion and growth of the program. CFCE’s goal is to grow into more schools every year, and their goal for the 2009 – 2010 school year is to grow into four to six new partner schools, a program growth of 11% to 14%.

"The recent 'Salute to Quality' event held at the Greenville Chamber demonstrated the results and excitement about the difference that quality practices has made in our schools – both for students and teachers," said Michele Brinn, Vice President of Workforce Development and Education. "More than 20 schools showcased their work. Positive changes are occurring within our schools thanks to the continued support of the Fujikura Foundation."

The mission of the Carolina First Center for Excellence is to serve as the provider of exemplary training, coaching and related services in continuous quality improvement, including Baldrige principles and practices to schools, district and other educations organization. The Center presently serves thirty schools affecting more than 15,000 students. For additional information, visit http://www.greenvillechamber.org/.

For additional information on AFL Telecommunications and the Fujikura Foundation, visit http://www.afltele.com/.

About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. AFL Telecommunications is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has additional operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K.

About Fujikura Foundation
With a commitment to being an exemplary corporate citizen for the communities in which we operate, America Fujikura Ltd., parent company to AFL Telecommunications and AFL Network Services, has established a Foundation that focuses on four Areas of Opportunity supporting families, education, the environment and community partnerships. In keeping with both our current corporate strategies and principles, Fujikura Foundation is providing monetary contributions and volunteer opportunities so that we can give back to the communities who have made our existence possible. For additional information about the Fujikura Foundation, click here.

AFL Telecommunications Named One of South Carolina's Fastest-Growing Companies 2008

Spartanburg, South Carolina - November 13, 2008
AFL Telecommunications was honored as one of the Palmetto's state's top-performing companies during the presentation of the South Carolina's Fastest-Growing Companies 2008 program's Top 25 winners. The winners were announced during the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce's Annual Summit luncheon held at the Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, S.C. on November 13, 2008.

The South Carolina's Fastest-Growing Companies program, co-sponsored by Elliott Davis, LLC and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, recognizes an exceptional and diverse assembly of businesses from across the state. This year's winners represent a cross section of industries and business categories, including: financial services, construction, manufacturing, professional services, and technology among others.

Headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., AFL Telecommunications, a leading fiber optic cable and accessories manufacturer, ranked #20 out of 25 fastest-growing companies in South Carolina. Employing over 500 in Spartanburg and over 3,000 worldwide, AFL's products and services impact various industries including telecommunications, broadband, private network, electric utility, and wireless as well as emerging markets such as oil and gas, mining and medical.

Accepting this award on behalf of AFL Telecommunications was Corie Culp, community relations manager. "Manufacturing is an integral part of the state's economy and we're honored to be significant part of the growth in South Carolina," stated Culp. "Through internal and external collaboration and teamwork, setting challenging and sustainable goals, and constantly researching new, emerging markets, continued growth will be realized not only for AFL, but also for companies statewide."

Otis Rawl, president and chief executive officer of program co-sponsor South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, thinks this success in the midst of somewhat troubling times is encouraging.

"It is so important to the growth of our state that we continue to have companies that persevere through all kinds of economic weather," Rawl said. "I'm proud to be a part of a program that celebrates such an outstanding group of entrepreneurs and business owners, who continue to rise to the top."

For the past seven years, Elliott Davis and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce have named a list of 25 entities as South Carolina's Fastest-Growing Companies, chosen for percentage increases in both gross revenue (or assets) and full-time employment over the previous fiscal year.

But as the landscape of South Carolina business evolves, so should the contest, according to Buster Kennedy, Elliott Davis marketing manager and director of the competition.

South Carolina's local companies continue thrive, but the Palmetto State is also a top destination for national and even international corporations. With fledgling ventures, multi-million-dollar conglomerates and those in between, in the 2008 list the dollar revenue growth and number of jobs added, in addition to the percentage growth, was considered. Elliott David determined the new method better compares small and large companies, and more accurately represents the diverse stories of South Carolina business.

About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. It has operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K. AFL Telecommunications is a division of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.

AFL Telecommunications Celebrates Week of Community Service

Spartanburg, South Carolina - November 5, 2008
For the week of November 3, AFL Telecommunications in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as well as various AFL locations worldwide, will celebrate the first annual Worldwide Week of Community Service. Dedicated to the communities in which AFL operates, the Week of Service engages employees in various aspects of giving back to the community – including time and resources.

AFL Spartanburg associates kicked off the week honoring its Community Advisory Board, made up of five leaders within the Greenville and Spartanburg counties. In addition, on Monday, the annual Thanksgiving food drive began. Supporting District Five Family Ministries, various items including non-perishables such as boxed meals and canned goods as well as baby items and paper products will be collected to support families in the Lyman, Duncan, Inman and surrounding areas.

On Wednesday, over 20 associates in Spartanburg will be deployed to assist the Upstate Family Resource Center in Boiling Springs with a SPIRIT project. A SPIRIT project consists of ten or more employees gathering together to aid a non-profit for three to four hours of service. After the project is complete, employees present a check in the amount of $3,000 to the non-profit. AFL associates will be painting, sorting, building cubicles, hanging blinds and providing outside grounds maintenance.

Lastly, AFL associates will take part in AFL’s Take Root program where each associate in Spartanburg will receive a tree to plant at their home or area of their choosing. The Take Root program is an effort to continuously plant trees and bushes in the areas AFL operates. AFL’s goal is to plant 5,000 trees by 2010.

Several other AFL locations are planning events as well including Belmont, NH where associates will collect fresh turkeys for families; Duluth, GA where food will be collected for Hands of Christ Cooperative Ministry; Monroe, NC where food, clothing, diapers and various household items will be collected and given to battered women and children; Birmingham, AL where trees will be provided to associates; Monterrey, Mexico where associates will provide a SPIRIT project / grant, helping provide a meal to children and the elderly, and take part in a Take Root initiative with associates; and Swindon, UK where associates will take part in a SPIRIT project / grant to aid the Great Western Community Forest and provide trees as part of the Take Root initiative.

About AFL Telecommunications
AFL Telecommunications is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. It has operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K. AFL Telecommunications is a division of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.

About Fujikura Foundation
With a commitment to being an exemplary corporate citizen for the communities in which we operate, America Fujikura Ltd., parent company to AFL Telecommunications and AFL Network Services, has established a Foundation that focuses on four Areas of Opportunity supporting families, education, the environment and community partnerships. In keeping with both our current corporate strategies and principles, Fujikura Foundation is providing monetary contributions and volunteer opportunities so that we can give back to the communities who have made our existence possible. For additional information, visit www.AFLtele.com.

AFL Telecommunications Receives South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year Award

Awarded by South Carolina Chamber and the National Association of Manufacturers

Spartanburg, South Carolina - October 1, 2008

On Tuesday, September 30, AFL Telecommunications was honored as it received the 2008 South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year Award for medium-sized manufacturers. Hosted by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, AFL received the award at the 14th annual South Carolina Manufacturers Appreciation Night in Columbia, SC.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with so many great manufacturing companies in this State,” said Jody Gallagher, President and CEO of AFL Telecommunications, who received the award. “We’ve worked hard to expand our operations in Spartanburg, not only with capital but with hiring and retaining outstanding employees. And at the end of the day, it’s our employees that make this happen and deserve to be recognized for this award.”

Selection is based on responses to five criteria including: Quality Improvement of Product, Quality of Life Programs, Environmental Stewardship, Community and Professional, Development, Community Partnerships, and Overall Effectiveness.

AFL Telecommunications will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Starting operations in 1984 as a fiber optic cable manufacturer with approximately 20 employees, AFL now employs over 500 in South Carolina and over 3,500 worldwide.

“This helps reinforce that we are on the right course,” stated Gallagher. “Being a world-class supplier affirms our focus through the years on our commitment to employee safety, corporate social responsibility, and finding creative, productive ways to remain competitive in a global economy.”

Today, AFL manufactures not only fiber optic cable, but also cable accessories, connectivity products, passive and active components, and outside plant equipment. In addition, AFL’s affiliate company, AFL Network Services, provides the engineering, installation and maintenance of networks within the Telco/Broadband, Electric Utility, and Wireless industries.

AFL continues to expand operations with three acquisitions completed this year alone, and expects additional acquisitions by the end of their fiscal year.

About AFL Telecommunications

AFL Telecommunications is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. It has operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K. AFL Telecommunications is a division of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.