Electrical Connection Spring 2015

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5 6 E L E CT R I C AL CONNE CT I ON S P R I NG 2 01 5
ON THE JOB - AFC
I n 1984, AFL started off with just one
product: optical ground wire. Over the
past 30+ years, it has expanded that
range significantly and now offers almost
everything anyone could need to connect
up telecommunication or infrastructure
cabling. Products include transmission
and substation accessories, outside plant
equipment, connectors, fusion splicers
and test equipment, among many others.
AFL currently works with market-
leading communications companies
providing support for inside plant central
office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and
wireless areas. It caters to diverse markets
including mining, nuclear, oil and gas,
avionics, renewable and transportation.
In addition to developing its products
and markets, AFL has also spread globally,
recently cementing its position in the
Asia Pacific market with the acquisition of
Melbourne-based AFC Group.
AFC has a complementary history.
Founded in 1992, the company was built
to provide more than just fibre optics; it
wanted to provide a service that made
connecting Australians with the world both
efficient and easy. Two decades later, the
company possesses a wealth of specialist
experience and extensive technical
knowledge. It designs, manufactures and
integrates fibre optic communication
solutions right here in Australia.
In May, AFL announced it had acquired
AFC.
“AFL is truly excited to have AFC as
part of AFL. During our initial discussions,
it was clear very quickly that AFC was a
special company. AFC’s impressive team
of professionals has consistently delivered
exceptional quality and innovative
solutions to their customers,” says AFL
cable and connectivity EVP Kurt Dallas.
“From a cultural perspective, AFC and
AFL are a terrific match. This acquisition
better positions us to expand our
customer reach and capabilities. We
have delighted to join the AFL,” says AFC
founder and CEO Tony Macleod.
It does appear that the two companies
have a lot in common and their goals are
closely aligned. Both place a lot of value
on serving their customers’ needs and
using innovation to meet these.
Prior to acquiring AFC earlier this year,
AFL already had a presence in Australia,
having provided products to the power
utility market for the past 20 years. In
2013, AFL strengthened this position with
acquisition of Optimal Cable Services, a
local fibre optic cable manufacturer. The
addition of AFC rounds out the offerings
from AFL, which now includes fibre
optic cable, fibre management systems,
fibre assemblies and fibre enclosures,
as well as splicers, test equipment, and
communication network products.
AFL will continue operations in AFC’s
existing facilities, including Melbourne,
Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra,
Adelaide, Auckland and Hong Kong, as
part of its plan to provide differentiating
and innovative solutions throughout the
Asia Pacific region.
> AFL
> AFC Group
AFL’s global presence
grows with the acquisition
of AFC Group, one of
Australia’s largest fibre
optic manufacturers.
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AFL acquires AFC