AFL Germany Becomes Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH

In 2024, AFL Germany transitioned into Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH, marking a significant expansion for Tratos in the German market. Formerly AFL Telecommunications GmbH, the company with a rich history (founded in 1898 as Kabelwerke Rheydt), is a leader in producing optical aerial cables and fibre optic solutions. The acquisition by Tratos allowed us to integrate AFL’s expertise in fibre optics and advanced telecommunications solutions into our global operations.

The German facility focuses on producing fibre optic cables and telecommunications components mainly for the energy market, which is critical in serving the growing demand for grid modernization and high-speed communication networks across Europe. Incorporating the expertise and capabilities of the Mönchengladbach team into Tratos has expanded our reach and enhanced our ability to deliver innovative fibre optic solutions for global energy and telecommunications infrastructure projects.

OPGW, OPPC, MASS and Accessories

OPGW (Optical Ground Wires), OPPC (Optical Phase conductors), and MASS (Metallic armoured self-supporting) cables are critical parts of modern power infrastructure. They combine the functions of grounding or power transmission and fibre optic data transfer in overhead power lines. These cables provide structural support and high-speed communication pathways, making them essential for power utilities looking to modernize and integrate smart grid solutions.  

The German facility specializes in producing all kinds of metallic overhead cables with optical fibres that are widely used in high-voltage transmission networks. These cables offer several key benefits:

• Dual functionality: OPGW cables serve as ground wire, protecting power lines from lightning strikes while housing optical fibres for data communication. OPPC cables combine energy transmission and data transfer via optical fibres
• Durability: Tratos OPGW cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring long-term reliability in the field.
• Efficiency: By integrating fibre optic strands into the conductor, OPGW, OPPC, and MASS reduce the need for separate communication infrastructure, saving costs and improving utility efficiency.

Tratos Cavi Germany also engineers dedicated accessories such as joint boxes, insulators or termination units. They are supplied together with the cables to provide easy and reliable installation and high-performance operation.

Tratos Cavi Germany´s products are meeting the rising demand for modernized power grids and telecommunications systems across Europe. Our solutions support smart grid technologies and enable real-time data transmission, critical for the seamless operation of power networks and communication systems.

Special Optical Cables and Steel tubes with fibers

Beyond OPGW, OPPC and MASS the German facility also focuses on producing special optical cables or cable elements containing steel tubes with optical fibers tailored for various demanding environments and industries. These cables or tubes are designed to provide reliable high-speed data transmission in some of the most challenging conditions, including

• Harsh industrial environments: Tratos special optical cables are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress. These cables are used in industries like oil and gas, mining, and transportation, where reliable communication is crucial for safety and efficiency.
• Submarine and undersea applications: Our submarine optical cable elements are designed for deep-sea deployments, providing robust solutions for offshore energy projects and international telecommunications networks.

Tratos’ special optical cables are crafted using advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring they meet the most stringent standards for performance and durability. These cables or tubes are available in a broad range of fibre counts and lengths with various protective coverings and insulation types, depending on the specific requirements of the installation environment.

Looking ahead

Integrating the well-established Mönchengladbach facility in Germany into Tratos has significantly enhanced our capacity to serve the growing demand for fibre optic cable solutions worldwide. This capability positions Tratos as a leading provider of fibre optic and telecommunications solutions, offering comprehensive products that enable the future of data transmission and energy management. With our strong commitment to innovation, reliability, and sustainability, Tratos continues to support critical infrastructure projects around the globe, driving the future of connected, high-speed networks.