Leading manufacturer of fibre optic cable for power utilities, AFL Communications has secured a major contract with electricity company Eskom of South Africa, to supply and complete end-to-end communication systems, together with installation, supervision and final testing and commissioning.
As a key manufacturer of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), AFL, whose UK HQ is in Swindon, is to supply OPGW to Eskom, as well as being responsible for the installation of OPGW on green field sites and retrofitting existing overhead lines with the OPGW system.
Commercial director of AFL, Steve Maederer, said: “AFL has extensive experience and capabilities on complex projects like this. 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. While carrying out the projects, AFL will work with the local South African workforce, and as a result of this the company will pass on a wide range of skills to 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.
A spokesperson for Eskom said: “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. AFL’s superior experience and ability to supply complete OPGW solutions is the primary reason we chose them for this project.”
Pictured from left: Steve Broadway, regional sales manager/AFL; Robert Dyani, purchasing manager/Eskom; Moalosi Borotho, commodities manager/Eskom; and George Hoeg, managing director/AFL Germany.
