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 part of AFL Telecommunications GmbH, a company with a rich history dating back to 1898 (as Kabelwerke Rheydt), AFL Germany was 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 now focuses on producing fibre optic cables and telecommunications components, which is critical in serving the growing demand for high-speed communication networks across Europe. Incorporating AFL Germany into Tratos has expanded our reach and enhanced our ability to deliver innovative fibre optic solutions for global telecommunications infrastructure projects.

In 2024, when AFL Germany transitioned into Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH, it marked a pivotal development in expanding Tratos’ expertise in fibre optic solutions, particularly in producing Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and special optical cables.

OPGW – Optical Protection Ground Wire

OPGW cables are a critical part of modern power infrastructure, combining the functions of grounding and fibre optic data transmission in overhead power lines. These cables provide structural support and high-speed communication pathways, making them essential for power utilities looking to modernise and integrate smart grid solutions.

The German facility now specialises in producing OPGW cables widely used in high-voltage transmission networks. These cables offer several key benefits:

• Dual functionality: OPGW cables serve as a ground wire, protecting power lines from lightning strikes while housing optical fibres for data communication.
• 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 ground wire, OPGW reduces the need for separate communication infrastructure, saving costs and improving utility efficiency.

Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH is now at the forefront of OPGW production, meeting the rising demand for Modernised power grids and telecommunications systems across Europe. Our OPGW 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

Beyond OPGW, the German facility also focuses on producing special optical cables tailored for various demanding environments and industries. These cables are designed to provide reliable high-speed data transmission in some of the most challenging conditions, including

• Aerial installations. Tratos produces optical aerial cables that are lightweight, durable, and designed to minimise additional load on existing infrastructure. These cables are ideal for retrofitting overhead power lines with fibre optic solutions, such as our SkyWrap product.
• 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 cables 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 are available with various protective coverings and insulation types, depending on the specific requirements of the installation environment.

Supporting Global Telecommunications Networks: Integrating AFL Germany into Tratos has significantly enhanced our capacity to serve the growing demand for fibre optic cable solutions worldwide. With a focus on OPGW and special optical cables, Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH plays a critical role in providing high-performance fibre optic infrastructure for:

• Power utilities looking to modernise their networks with smart grid capabilities,
• Telecommunication providers upgrading to high-speed fibre networks for broadband and 5G,
• Industrial sectors that require durable, high-speed communication solutions in extreme environments.

This expanded production 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.