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 Expands Interconnect Premise MicroCore™ Cable Product Line

AFL Telecommunications announces the expansion of its Interconnect Premise MicroCore cable product line of high density fiber optic cables. Now encompassing up to 48 optical fibers in a single high performance package, this interconnect cable has an overall diameter of 4.8mm, is approximately 20% smaller than other similar industry solution's and is uniquely suited to support high density array-type MT/MP connectors. Integration of the all-dielectric strength members within the core of the cable enables the potential for direct termination schemes eliminating the need for bulky transitions that rob valuable space. Additionally, the round construction of this line of cables eliminates concerns over preferential bend radii in traditional premise-stacked ribbon designs.

The inclusion of OM3 or OM4 Laser-Optimized 50µm Graded-Index multimode fibers provides a high performance connection to meet the emerging bandwidth demands of 40Gb Ethernet or greater network architectures. For additional information on this product and other fiber optic cables and accessories, visit www.AFLtele.com.

AFL Telecommunications Acquires Draka’s OPGW Business

AFL Now #1 OPGW Manufacturer Worldwide

Spartanburg, South Carolina - April 30, 2009

AFL Telecommunications has signed an agreement to purchase Draka’s Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) business based in Monchengladbach, Germany. This acquisition positions AFL Telecommunications as the leading OPGW manufacturer worldwide, increasing its reach in additional countries of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

"The combined business synergies will enhance our technologies, increase manufacturing efficiencies and leverage the value of what we offer our customers," said Jody Gallagher, AFL Telecommunications' President and CEO. "Not only will our capacity increase, but it will enable us to enhance our capability and flexibility along with our ability to meet the increasing demands of our customers." AFL Telecommunications currently manufactures OPGW cables in the United States and United Kingdom.

Optical Ground Wire is a dual functioning cable that serves as ground wire for power lines, while providing a path for the transmission of voice, video or data signals by incorporating optical fibers into the design of the cable. OPGW is placed at the highest point on power utility structures, allowing for fast, cost-effective installations with exceptional reliability.

With over 20 years of experience in the aerial cable market, AFL supplies a full range of OPGW products, hardware accessories, engineering and installation services.

Terms of the acquisition are undisclosed, and are subject to customary closing conditions and standard procedures due to local legislation. For additional information on AFL Telecommunications, visit 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.

AFL Enhances Existing Indoor/Outdoor Breakout Cables

Product Line Now MSHA-approved

Spartanburg, South Carolina - April 7, 2009

AFL Telecommunications is re-introducing its indoor/outdoor breakout cables, recently approved by the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

"As we continue to seek opportunities to expand our fiber optic cable product lines and tap into harsh environment markets, MSHA-approval is a necessity," stated Doug Baker, Product Manager. "By meeting MSHA requirements, we are able to work with various industries such as mining, providing additional, competitive options for communication systems.

"Perfectly suited for rugged applications and installations requiring increased performance, AFL’s Indoor / Outdoor Breakout Cables feature a UV and fungal-resistant semi-pressure extruded outer jacket. Individual subunits measure 2.5mm, allowing for ease of field termination, and use water-blocking aramid which further protects the tight-buffered fiber.

"The high performance nature of these products when combined with the relatively low weight and all-dielectric design make these cables ideal for communication applications in these environments," stated Bob Sebesto, Market Manager for Mining.

AFL Telecommunications currently manufactures a diverse set of fiber optic cable including OPGW (Optical Ground Wire), ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting), loose tube and various premise fiber optic cables.

For additional information, visit 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.

SkyWrap®: Not Just a Cable; a Proven Solution

Spartanburg, South Carolina - March 17, 2009
Having installed over 15,000 miles of this innovative fiber optic cable system, AFL Telecommunications is re-introducing SkyWrap to the electrical transmission and distribution industries. With over 30 years of proven technology, SkyWrap utilizes patented lightweight equipment to wrap cable onto ground wire or phase conductors on overhead power lines. Adaptable for high, medium or lower voltage, SkyWrap is ideal for managing demand, communication network builds and upgrades, or optimizing networks as it quickly installs a fiber optic link on existing infrastructure with minimal or no disruption in service.

The SkyWrap cable and installation method provides an extremely cost-effective and long-term solution.With fiber counts up to 144, SkyWrap is ideal for maximizing capacity for communications, internal control and monitoring of infrastructure, and for providing third party telecommunications services. Bullet-resistant cable designs are available for installation in harsh environments with a full range of accessories for any tower or conductor type. The installation equipment consists of a patented spinning machine and a remotely operated gas-powered tug, making it ideal for even the most difficult of terrains.

"As customer demand puts increasing pressure on power utilities to provide consistent levels of electricity, the need for reliable control and monitoring is vital," said Kurt Dallas, General Manager of AFL Telecommunications, Cable Systems. “But when costs are high and demand is constant, the risk of power outages increases. AFL's SkyWrap solution not only provides a way to install fiber optic cable without replacing existing wires, but also provides cost savings with quick installation without power outage time."

As a retrofit cable solution, SkyWrap stands alone compared to other installation methods – the cable does not unwind, loosen or deteriorate. The system is optimized to deal with temperature variations, remaining tight on the conductor while ensuring no fiber strain.

AFL also provides complete turnkey installation and project management services to maximize the benefits of SkyWrap installation. With nearly 25 years of experience in fiber optic cable technology, engineering and installation around the world, AFL Telecommunications is uniquely positioned to assist with the best and most relevant solutions.



For additional information on SkyWrap and to view a video of the SkyWrap installation process, visit: http://www.afltele.com/products/fiber_optic_cable/skywrap/.

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.