AFL, a provider of solutions including fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training, acquired Optimal Cable Services, a manufacturer of fiber optic cable and provider of connectivity products based in Melbourne, Australia. Optimal will join the AFL portfolio, expanding the company’s solutions to the telecommunications, mining and general distribution markets.

AFL provides 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.

“AFL’s products and services are now in use in over 120 countries around the world. We currently manufacture our products in multiple locations, and adding Optimal greatly extends our manufacturing capabilities in the South Pacific,” stated Kurt Dallas, vice president and general manager, global cable systems for AFL, in a statement.

“The team at Optimal has an excellent track record of taking care of customers and we look forward to working with this group to further grow our business and customer base across Asia,” Dallas added.

Optimal manufactures uni-tube, stranded loose tube, armored loose tube, high count loose tube, riser and all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cables, composite, cords and ancillary products, patchcords, pigtails, connectors, adaptors, tooling, test equipment and media converters.

Technology advancements are fueling growth of fiber optic equipment. From lasers for use in manufacturing facilities and improvements to broadband infrastructure to more sophisticated medical processes and sensing, monitoring and security applications, the need for suppliers that understand the intricacies of the fiber optic cable, components and related equipment is critical for success.

“In the cable business particularly, AFL has a rich history of blending technology, business acumen and customer service. We were immediately impressed with AFL, its products and services, and the leadership team,” commented Paul Cross, sales & marketing director and general manager for Optimal Cable Services, in a statement. “With the combined strengths of AFL and Optimal, the growth opportunity is tremendous. Additionally, the value proposition for our current and future customers is very compelling.”