wiredInUSA March 2020

Precise splice

Cable company seeks a deal

The new core alignment fusion splicer unit from Fujikura A new core alignment fusion splicer unit from Fujikura, the 90S, is described as offering a range of enhancements over its previous 70S+ system that will increase precision while reducing splice time. Splice process time reductions derive from acceleration of the reaction time of the automated wind protectors and automated heater, new fiber retention clamps, redesigned universal sheath clamps and a re-engineered internal structure that matches the protection sleeve position to the fusion splice point. Once the splicing process is underway there is no need for the technician to touch the unit. Fujikura’s “truecorealignment technology” and enhanced image processing enable the 90S to produce precise and consistent results. The 90S also benefits from Fujikura’s Active Blade Management technology, which enables two CT50 cleavers to be connected simultaneously to the unit. Cleaver performance is continuously monitored, with an alert when the blade needs to be rotated.

East African Cables, a manufacturer of electric and telecoms cables sold across east and central Africa, is looking to restructure nearly 20 percent of its bank debt, including a $2.83 million loan for a local lender that has sought to wind up the company. In 2019 the company, and its parent TransCentury Group, restructured 82 percent of their debts. “The company... has made significant progress to complete the remaining phase which includes the debt with SBM Bank Kenya Ltd,” it said in a statement. TransCentury, founded by a group of Kenyan investors in 1997, invested in a range of infrastructure companies that included East African Cables, but has struggled with a heavy debt burden, losses, and a plunge in its share price.

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wiredInUSA - March 2020