Awards and Recognition

2022

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Large Business Partner of the Year

    • Awarded to companies with 100 or more employees and considered total campaign giving, average gift, per capita gift, undesignated giving, participation rate, and company intangibles.
    • Increased average gift, increased per capita gift, 79% undesignated, largest UWP campaign in history.
    • Recognized for top down leadership, excellent campaign management, company culture of philanthropy, and board / donor group participation.
       

2021

  • Safer Buildings Coalition™ Safe Inside 2021 Project of the Year

    • Recognizes outstanding projects in the in-building public safety communications market
    • Spotlights projects for their impact, quality of workmanship, innovation and contribution to reducing noise and interference
    • Awarded for project at Fifth + Broadway 
       

  • Broadband Technology Report (BTR) Diamond Technology Review

    • 4.0 Diamonds
      • Apex® Splice Closure
      • FlexScan® TS100 FTTH PON Troubleshooter
    • 3.5 Diamonds
      • FlowScout PON Optical Power Meter
      • Field-replaceable Port Saver OTDR Connectors

  • Cabling Installation & Maintenance (CI&M) Innovators Awards Program

    • Platinum: Apex® Splice Closure
    • Gold: Fujikura 90R Ribbon Fusion Splicer

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) Plant Safety Award

    • Awarded to five AFL manufacturing locations in Spartanburg, South Carolina

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Safety Award

    • Recognition based on the Lost Time Incident Rate recorded during 2019 calendar year
    • Five Spartanburg locations recognized

  • Lightwave Innovation Reviews Honoree

    • Apex® splice closure - 4.0 
    • Fujikura 90R mass fusion splicer - 4.5

  • Fierce Innovation Award - Telecom Edition

    • The peer-reviewed awards program highlights advances in service and equipment developments
    • Awarded to the FlexScan® TS100 FTTH PON Troubleshooter

2020

  • Cable Installation & Management Innovators Awards Program

    • Gold: Fujikura 90S Core Alignment Fusion Splicer

  • BTR Diamond Technology Review

    • 4.0 Diamonds Award
      • Fujikura 90R Mass Fusion Splicer
    • 3.5 Diamonds Award
      • NodeFlex™ Bendable Cable Assembly

  • NC Department of Labor/Union County Chamber of Commerce - Excellence in Safety

    • AFL Raleigh was presented with the Gold Award for the 11th consecutive year
    • AFL Monroe was given a Gold Award for the third consecutive year for the rate of days away from work, job transfer or restriction at least 50 percent below the industry average

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) Plant Safety Award

    • Awarded to three AFL manufacturing locations in Spartanburg, South Carolina

  • 2020 South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Safety Award

    • Recognition based on the Lost Time Incident Rate recorded during 2019 calendar year

  • Lightwave Innovation Reviews Honoree

    • Splicer Accessory Management via Bluetooth® - 3.5 stars

2019

  • Association of Fundraising Professionals (SC, Piedmont Chapter) 2019 Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award

    • The award honors a business, corporation or foundation who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the Upstate community through direct financial support to nonprofit organizations and charitable projects.

  • Better Business Bureau® of the Upstate, 2019 Business of Integrity Award for Community Service

    • Recognition for commitment to exceptional marketplace standards that benefit consumers, employees, suppliers, industry peers and the communities in which we do business and serve

  • Cable Installation & Management Innovators Awards Program

    • Platinum - Bluetooth®-enabled Splicing Family
    • Gold - FlexScan® Quad OTDR
    • Silver - FOCIS Lightning Multi-fiber Connector Inspection System 

  • BTR Diamond Technology Review

    • 4.5 Diamonds Award
      • FOCIS Lightning Multi-fiber Connector Inspection System
    • 4.0 Diamonds Award
      • FlexScan® Quad OTDR

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Employee Giving Award ($200K+)

    • Special recognition for outstanding contribution

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Game Changer Award

    • Awarded for increasing employee donations by 42 percent 

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Outstanding Campaign Committee Award

    • Awarded for demonstrating exceptional teamwork resulting in increased associate per capita giving

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) Corporate Responsibility Award

    • Recognized for the positive contributions made in the local community

  • NC Department of Labor/Union County Chamber of Commerce - Excellence in Safety

    • AFL Raleigh was presented with the Gold Award for the tenth consecutive year
    • AFL Monroe was given a Gold Award for the second consecutive year for the rate of days away from work, job transfer or restriction at least 50 percent below the industry average

  • United Way of Central Carolinas 2018 Outstanding Accounts Award

    • Special recognition for outstanding contribution

  • 2019 South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Safety Award

    • Recognition based on the Lost Time Incident Rate recorded during 2018 calendar year

  • 2019 Blue Cross Blue Shield LiveLifeBlue℠ Award

    • Awarded to companies who have implemented corporate-level policies and programs to improve the well-being of associates at their company and in their community 

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) Plant Safety Award

    • Awarded to five AFL manufacturing locations in Spartanburg, South Carolina

  • Lightwave Innovation Reviews Honoree

    • Awarded for the FOCIS Lightning Ultrafast MPO/MTP Connector Inspection System

 

2018

 

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Corporate Philanthropist of the Year

    • Recognized through the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Piedmont Chapter

  • BTR Diamond Technology Review

    • 4.0 Diamonds Award
      • FleXpress™ Fast OTDR Test Mode for FlexScan® OTDRs

  • Cable Installation & Management Innovators Awards Program

    • Silver Award
      • Multi-Fiber Identification System
      • FOCIS Duel Fiber Optic Connector Inspection System

  • DHEC, Recycling and Green Hospitality Award

    • Awarded for Outstanding Waste Reduction & Recycling Efforts
       

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Employee Giving Award ($200K+)

    • Awarded to companies based on increase in employee and employee per capita giving

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Campaign Creativity Award

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Outstanding Campaign Committee Award

    • Awarded for demonstrating exceptional teamwork resulting in increased associate per capita giving

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Campaign Coordinator Award

    • Presented to individuals who set an example of outstanding leadership through their involvement in United Way activities

  • NC Department of Labor/Union County Chamber of Commerce - Excellence in Safety

    • AFL Raleigh received a gold award and was recognized for one year with an incident rate at least 50 percent below the industry average
    • AFL Monroe received a gold award and was recognized for nine years with the rate of days away from work, job transfer or restriction at least 50 percent below the industry average

  • Laser Focus World Silver Innovators Award

    • Awarded for the LZM-110A+ LAZERMaster

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) Corporate Responsibility Award

    • Recognized for the positive contributions made in the local community

  • Spartanburg Community College Economic Visionary Award

    • Awarded for extraordinary leadership in transforming the Upstate of South Carolina  

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) Workplace Safety Award

    • 2017 Workplace Safety Award for cabling, connectivity/splicing and accessories manufacturing plants

  • Middle Tyger Community Impact Award

    • Awarded by the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, the award is given to individuals or organizations that demonstrate extraordinary commitment and support of the YMCA's mission

  • Best in Show at BICSI Winter/New Product Pavilion

    • Awarded by BICSI attendees, AFL's FOCIS Duel won "Install Tools, Methods and Testing" category and overall Best in Show

2017

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Employee Giving Award ($150K-$200K)

    • Awarded to companies based on increase in employee and employee per capita giving

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Outstanding Campaign Committee Award

    • Awarded for demonstrating exceptional teamwork resulting in increased associate per capita giving

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Campaign Spirit Award

    • Awarded to companies whose associates exemplified the highest level of team spirit during their campaign

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Workplace Safety Award (for 2016) - Cable, Accessories and Wire manufacturing

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Workplace Safety Award (for 2016) - Cable and Accessories manufacturing

  • Kriz Davis Partner of the Year Award 

    • Recognizes companies for combined overall growth in sales dollars, growth percentage in sales, overall growth and collaborative sales efforts

  • Cable Installation & Management Innovators Awards Program

    • Gold Award
      • FOCIS Flex
      • ROGUE OTDR with aeRos® Workflow Management 
      • Wrapping Tube Cable with SpiderWeb® Ribbon 

2016

  • IABC-SC (International Association of Business Communicators – SC)

    • Awards of Excellence
      • Employee Engagement: United Way Annual Campaign
      • Advertising Campaign: Fusion Splicing Ad Campaign
    • Award of Merit
      • Internal Communication: Just AFL Campaign

  • IABC Southern Region (International Association of Business Communicators)

    • Silver Quill Awards of Excellence
      • Employee Engagement: United Way Annual Campaign
      • Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication: Fusion Splicing Ad Campaign

  • Cabling Installation & Maintenance Platinum Innovation Award

    • Recognizes innovative products and systems as well as their uses and applications. AFL's FlexScan Complete Kits received the platinum award.  

  • AT&T Supplier Diversity Crystal Award

    • Awarded to Prime Suppliers who attained and/or exceeded 21.5% diversity utilization in 2015, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to helping the diverse supplier community grow and prosper

  • Energex Suppliers Award (Australia)

    • Recognizes companies with outstanding operational performance, quality and delivery

  • City of London Gold Award (UK)

    • Acknowledges companies that consistently exceed the requirements of the Code of Good Practice and have a regard for the surrounding environment by reducing disturbance to businesses and residences

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Employee Giving Award ($150K-$200K)

    • Awarded to companies based on increase in employee and employee per capita giving

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Outstanding Creativity Award

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Campaign Spirit Award

  • North Carolina Department of Labor

    • Safety Award
      • Silver Award - AFL Enterprise Division, Monroe, NC and OSPE Division, Raleigh, NC
      • Gold Award - AFL Enterprise Division, Monroe, NC and OSPE Division, Raleigh, NC

  • SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

    • Recognized by the Smart Business Recycling and Green Hospitality Program for recycling efforts

  • Lakes Region Community Services (LRCS)

    • Community Partner Award (2016) - AFL's Test & Inspection Division

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Commendation of Excellence Award/Safety Program Recognition (2015) - Ridgeview, Hidden Lake and USAC manufacturing

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Safety Performance Recognition Award (for 2015) - Ridgeview, Hidden Lake and USAC manufacturing

 

2015

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Made in South Carolina Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award
    • Safety Performance Recognition Award (2014) - Ridgeview and Hidden Lake manufacturing
    • 18 Years without a Lost Workday Incident Recognition Award - Hidden Lake manufacturing plant (ranked among the top three SCMA members)

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Commendation of Excellence/Safety Program Recognition (2014) - Ridgeview, Hidden Lake and USAC Manufacturing

  • Union County Chamber of Commerce

    • 2014 Gold Award for Safety - AFL Monroe and AFL Raleigh
    • Million Hour Safety Award - AFL Monroe

  • BB&T Insurance Lighthouse Beam Safety Award Program

    • Excellent Safety Performance

  • IABC-SC (International Association of Business Communicators – SC)

    • Best of Show
      • AFL Fall Festival
    • Awards of Excellence
      • Special Events: AFL Turns 30
      • Special Events: AFL Fall Festival
        • Received Best of Show award
      • Marketing Communication: Swage Bus and Cable Accessories Product Launch Campaign
      • Employee Engagement: United Way Annual Campaign
      • Advertising Campaigns: Marketing Automation Campaign

  • IABC-SC (International Association of Business Communicators – Southern Region)

    • Silver Quill Award of Excellence
    • Silver Quill Award of Merit
      • Communication Management - Internal Communication: AFL Turns 30

2014

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Made in South Carolina Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Employee Giving Award ($100K - $150K)

    • Awarded to companies based on increase in employee and employee per capita giving

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Campaign Spirit Award

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Total man hours worked since last incident - Ridgeview Manufacturing
    • Total man hours worked without a lost workday incident during 2013 - Ridgeview Manufacturing Safety
    • Performance Recognition Award - Ridgeview and Hidden Lake manufacturing

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Commendation of Excellence/Safety Program Recognition (2013) - Ridgeview and Hidden Lake manufacturing

  • IABC-SC (International Association of Business Communicators – South Carolina)

  • IABC (International Association of Business Communicators – Southern Region)

  • BB&T Insurance Lighthouse Beam Safety Award Program

    • Excellent Safety Performance

2013

  • BB&T Insurance Lighthouse Beam Safety Award Program

    • Excellent Safety Performance

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Employee Giving Award ($100K - $150K)

    • Awarded to companies based on increase in employee and employee per capita giving

  • United Way of the Piedmont, Outstanding Creativity Award

  • Economic Futures Award

    • For Outstanding Commitment and Service to the Spartanburg County Community

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Safety Performance Recognition Award - Ridgeview Plant
    • Safety Performance Recognition Award - Hillside Plant
    • Made in South Carolina Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award

  • IABC-SC (International Association of Business Communicators – South Carolina)

2012

  • SC Biz News Roaring Twenties

    • Top 20 Best-Performing Company in SC

  • Broadband Gear Report BTR Diamond Technology Review

    • NOYES® FOCIS Fiber Optic Connector Inspection System (3.5 stars)

  • Communications Technology Platinum Award

    • NOYES® FOCIS Fiber Optic Connector Inspection System - Honorable Mention

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award

  • IABC-SC (International Association of Business Communicators – South Carolina)

*Award in Top 5 of all entries submitted across SC

2011

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Commendation of Excellence in Safety (3 SC locations)

  • BB&T Insurance Lighthouse Beam Safety Award Program

    • Excellent Safety Performance

2010

  • Spartanburg Area (SC) Chamber of Commerce

    • Economic Champion

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Safety Award
    • Safety Performance Award

  • Broadband Properties Magazine

    • Top 100 Broadband Companies

2009

  • Spartanburg Area (SC) Chamber of Commerce

    • Economic Champion

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Safety Award
    • Safety Performance Award

  • Broadband Properties Magazine

    • Top 100 Broadband Companies

2008

  • Nuevo Leon Environment Protection and Natural Resources Agency (APMARN)

    • AFL Monterry Mexico, Nuevo León “Recicla” Award for recycling efforts

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies Finalist (#20)
    • Manufacturer of the Year (medium-sized business)

  • South Carolina Occupational Safety Council

    • Edgar L McGowan Award, AFL Spartanburg/Ridgeview facility with
      6,061,567 hours since last lost time incident

  • Spartanburg Area (SC) Chamber of Commerce

    • Economic Champion

2007

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Commendation of Excellence - Safety Program Recognition - Spartanburg / Hillside and Ridgeview facilities

  • South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulations

    • Certificate of Safety Acheivement Award - Spartanburg / Hillside and Ridgeview facilities

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Plant Safety Recognition Award - Hours Work Without A Lost Work Day Injury

  • South Carolina Occupational Safety Council

    • Safety Award for Outstanding Record
    • Palmetto Safety Excellence Award - Spartanburg / Ridgeview Mftg facility

  • Spartanburg Area (SC) Chamber of Commerce

    • Economic Champion

2006

  • Middle Tyger Council (Spartanburg, South Carolina)

    • Large Manufacturer of the Year for Outstanding Community Service

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Commendation of Excellence - Safety Program Recognition - Spartanburg / Hillside and Ridgeview facilities

  • South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulations

    • Certificate of Safety Acheivement Award - Spartanburg / Hillside and Ridgeview facilities

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Plant Safety Recognition Award - Hours Work Without A Lost Work Day Injury

  • South Carolina Occupational Safety Council

    • Safety Certificate - Spartanburg / Hillside Mftg facility

2005

  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

    • Commendation of Excellence - Safety Program Recognition - Spartanburg / Hillside and Ridgeview facilities

  • South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulations

    • Certificate of Safety Acheivement Award - Spartanburg / Hillside and Ridgeview facilities

  • South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)

    • Plant Safety Recognition Award - Hours Work Without A Lost Work Day Injury

  • South Carolina Occupational Safety Council

    • Safety Award for Outstanding Record
    • Palmetto Safety Excellence Award - Spartanburg / Ridgeview Mftg facility
    • Safety Certificate - Spartanburg / Hillside Mftg facility