$8.6 million investment expected to create 95 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – AFL, a maker of fiber optic products and equipment, today announced that it will expand its existing operations in Spartanburg County. The $8.6 million investment is expected to generate 95 new jobs.
“Demand for our products is growing and this expansion will help us grow our business and better meet the needs of our customers. AFL considered a number of locations for our expansion, and are very pleased to have chosen to expand here in Spartanburg County. South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Kenny Nara, chairman for AFL.
AFL will move approximately 110 current employees and operations into a new building located at 104 Hidden Lake Circle in Duncan. The company will then add a new product line at the company’s existing facility at 260 Parkway East, also in Duncan. The move and expansion are expected to be completed by late 2013.
“When South Carolina’s existing businesses are investing and adding jobs, that shows we are on the right track with our economic development efforts. Today’s announcement by AFL is a sign of that. We appreciate the company’s decision to expand here and create 95 new jobs in Duncan,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 17,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Foreign-affiliated companies, like AFL, understand that South Carolina is the right place for them to do business. These businesses manufacture high-quality products in the Palmetto State and send them to customers across the country and around the globe,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We have enjoyed working with AFL over the years, and we look forward to this new opportunity. We appreciate their continued commitment providing capital investment and new jobs for Spartanburg County,” said David Britt, chairman of the Economic Development Committee for Spartanburg County Council and member of the Economic Futures Group Board of Directors.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in late 2012. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit AFL’s website at www.AFLglobal.com or contact Scott Wheeler at 864-433-0333.
About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading 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. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.
Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.