AFL Germany has a rich history dating back to 1898 when Kabelwerke Rheydt was founded, a company initially manufacturing copper telecommunication cables. By 1910, they had become a key player in the telecommunications industry. Kabelwerke Rheydt expanded its production capabilities in the following decades, eventually developing optical fibre cables, which became essential for modern communications.
The name Kabelwerke Rheydt comes from a combination of two elements: “Kabelwerke,” which is German for “Cable Works” or “Cable Factory,” and “Rheydt,” which refers to the town where the company was initially established.
- Kabelwerke: This part of the name indicates the company’s primary business—manufacturing cables. “Kabel” is the German word for “cable,” and “Werke” refers to factories or works, often used in industrial contexts to denote production facilities. Therefore, “Kabelwerke” implies a factory or work dedicated to cable production.
- Rheydt: Rheydt is a historic town in western Germany, near Mönchengladbach in North Rhine-Westphalia. Originally a separate town, Rheydt was eventually incorporated into Mönchengladbach in 1975, but it maintained its distinct identity for much of its history. The town had a rich industrial heritage, and its inclusion in the company name highlights its importance as the factory’s location.
Kabelwerke Rheydt was founded in 1898 as a manufacturer of copper telecommunication cables, making it one of the pioneering companies in Germany’s cable production sector. The company gained prominence in the early 20th century as it became a crucial player in the telecommunications industry. Over the decades, it expanded its production capabilities. It evolved to include the manufacture of optical fibre cables and overhead lines with fibres encased in stainless steel tubes, further solidifying its reputation for innovation in cable technology.
The company’s name reflects its roots in cable manufacturing and its geographical origin in Rheydt. This identity remained even as the company underwent significant transitions, including being acquired by ALCATEL S.A. in 1992 and becoming part of NEXANS S.A. in 2000. 2009 the company was integrated into AFL, eventually transforming into Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH in 2024.
In sum, “Kabelwerke Rheydt” represents the company’s industrial beginnings in cable manufacturing and its strong association with Rheydt, where it was established and thrived for many years.
In 1991, the company began producing overhead lines using fibres encased in stainless steel tubes, showcasing its innovative approach to fibre technology. This period of growth it culminated in 1992 when the company became part of French telecommunications giant ALCATEL S.A. In 2000, it transitioned again, becoming part of NEXANS S.A., a global leader in cabling.
By 2004, the Dutch company DRAKA took over the fibre business from ALCATEL, continuing the advancement in optical fibre technologies. A significant shift occurred in 2009 when America Fujikura Ltd (AFL) acquired DRAKA’s business segment related to optical aerial cables. This acquisition led to the founding of AFL Telecommunications GmbH, Germany, marking a new chapter for the business. AFL Germany began operating with a strong workforce of 120 employees and has since been involved in producing specialised optical aerial cables, enhancing AFL’s global presence in the telecommunications infrastructure market.
AFL Germany is part of AFL’s international network, focusing on delivering high-performance communication solutions, primarily by producing advanced optical fibre cables for aerial applications essential for modern telecommunications, power distribution, and data transmission.
In 2024, AFL Telecommunications GmbH, Germany, transitioned into Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH. This marked a significant development in the company’s history, as it became part of the Italian cable manufacturer Tratos. Tratos Cavi, known for its innovation and high-quality cable production, continued the legacy of its predecessor by focusing on manufacturing advanced cable solutions, including optical fibre cables, overhead lines, and other critical telecommunications infrastructure products.
The acquisition or transition under Tratos strengthened its presence in Germany and Europe, integrating the expertise and resources of AFL Germany into Tratos’ global operations. This change also signalled an expansion of Tratos’ market reach, particularly in the telecommunications and power distribution sectors, where it is known for delivering cutting-edge technologies and environmentally sustainable solutions.
Tratos Cavi Germany GmbH, building on the heritage of Kabelwerke Rheydt and AFL, continues to play a vital role in developing innovative fibre optic and electrical cabling solutions across Europe. The company’s integration under Tratos further enhances its capacity to address the increasing demand for high-performance cabling in the global market.
