AFL: South Africa Project

AFL, a leading manufacturer of fibre optic cable for power utilities, has secured a major contract with Eskom of South Africa, to supply and complete end-to-end communication systems, together with installation of the system, supervision and the final testing and commissioning.

As a key manufacturer of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), AFL is to supply OPGW and associated accessories by sourcing the complete system from one supplier. AFL will also be responsible for the installation of OPGW on green field sites as well as retrofitting existing overhead lines with the OPGW system.

"AFL has extensive experience and capabilities on complex projects like this," said Steve Maederer, commercial director for AFL. "We have been able to demonstrate that we can provide a complete end-to-end solution whilst maintaining the highest quality standards set by Eskom."

The contract covers both the Transmission and Distribution part of the Eskom business, and therefore, projects will be taking place across South Africa. During the execution of the individually awarded projects, AFL will work with the local South African workforce, and as a result of this, AFL will be passing on its wide ranging skills to the employees of local installation companies.

Eskom estimates that over the contract's five-year duration that up to 11,000 km of OPGW may be required to accommodate the new routes planned. "The communication routes that will be built over the coming years are for solely our own use in the control and protection of substations based around the South African countryside," stated a spokesperson for Eskom. "AFL's superior experience and ability to supply complete OPGW solutions is the primary reason we chose them for this project."

Photo (left to right): Steve Broadway, Regional Sales Manager/AFL; Robert Dyani, Purchasing Manager/Eskom; Moalosi Borotho, Commodities Manager/Eskom; and George Hoeg, Managing Director/AFL Germany.


About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company's diverse product portfolio includes fibre optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL's service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About Eskom
Eskom generates approximately 95% of the electricity used in South Africa and approximately 45% of the electricity used in Africa. Eskom generates, transmits and distributes electricity to industrial, mining, commercial, agricultural and residential customers and redistributors. Additional power stations and major power lines are being built to meet rising electricity demand in South Africa. For more information, visit www.eskom.co.za.