Prysmian North America Fiber Optic Facilities Prysmian operates three primary facilities that manufacture fiber optic cable in the United States. Each location represents generations of expertise and is technically proficient in many products to bring one of the largest portfolios of fiber optic cable on the market today. Claremont, North Carolina, is home to Prysmian’s North American production of optical fiber as well as many types of cables. Not only does Prysmian draw and coat the optical fiber in Claremont, they are one of three producers of optical preforms in the United States. Domestic preform manufacturing satisfies the first requirement of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) provisions for fiber optic cable used as construction materials for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. In 2006, Prysmian introduced BendBright™XS, the first ever commercialized bend-insensitive G.657 fiber that is fully compatible with legacy G.652.D singlemode fibers. Prysmian continues to deliver ground-breaking advances in optical fiber including new reduced fiber coatings of 180um and 160um, and the Claremont facility is a key component to these developments. Cables produced at Claremont include primarily loose tube, drop, and indoor-rated cables. The facility was built by Alcatel Cable Systems in 1982, which was later acquired by Draka. Draka became part of Prysmian in 2011. Claremont continues to be a center for innovation and expansion at Prysmian. Prysmian’s factory in Lexington, South Carolina, serves as a cornerstone of the company’s North American operations. Originally part of the Pirelli cable business established in 1986, the Lexington facility became a key site for Prysmian following its acquisition of Pirelli’s assets in 2005. Over the years, the factory has grown significantly, both in size and strategic importance. The site specializes in the production of fiber optic cables, playing a vital role in supporting the telecommunications infrastructure across the continent. In 2017, Prysmian announced a major expansion of the Lexington facility, investing over $15 million to increase its production capacity and R&D. The facility’s growth reflects the company’s confidence in South Carolina’s skilled workforce and favorable business environment, which have been instrumental in attracting top engineering talent and supporting long-term industrial development. Beyond its economic contributions, the Lexington factory also underscores Prysmian’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Through the investments made, Prysmian produced FlexRibbon® technology in Lexington, which is the key to unlocking high density solutions that drive the future of networking and AI to higher capacities. With its strategic location, access to major transportation networks, and a strong local talent pool, the Lexington facility is well-positioned to continue leading Prysmian’s efforts in shaping the future of energy and telecommunications infrastructure in North America. The Prysmian factory in Jackson, Tennessee, formerly operated by General Cable, is a key manufacturing site within Prysmian’s North American operations. Located in the Jackson Madison County Industrial Park, this facility has undergone significant transformation since Prysmian acquired General Cable. Originally focused on copper cable production, the plant has been retooled to manufacture optical fiber cables, aligning with the growing demand for high-speed broadband infrastructure across the United States. In 2022, Prysmian announced a $30 million investment1 to upgrade the Jackson facility, marking a strategic shift from legacy copper to advanced optical cable production. This investment is part of a broader $115 million initiative across North America aimed at expanding Prysmian’s telecom capabilities. The Jackson plant is the first within the group to be fully converted for optical cable manufacturing, positioning it as a cornerstone in Prysmian’s efforts to support the digital transformation and broadband expansion driven by federal and state funding. Beyond its technological advancements, the Jackson facility plays a vital role in the local economy and workforce development. The transition to optical cable production not only secures jobs but also equips employees with new skills in fiber optics, contributing to the region’s economic resilience. As part of a global leader in energy and telecom cable systems, the Jackson plant exemplifies Prysmian’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community investment. 64
