ACL Cables PLC
Electrical wires and optical fibers
Company Overview and History
ACL Cables PLC, originally established as Associated Cables Ltd. in 1962 with technical assistance from Mitsui of Japan, is recognized as the largest manufacturer of cables in Sri Lanka. The company has evolved into a group of companies, holding a dominant 70% share of the local cable market. ACL Cables has been a pioneer in the industry, consistently innovating and supplying a wide array of products to significant national infrastructure projects, duty-free ventures, and major commercial developments, including hotels and factories. The company also maintains a strong international presence, exporting to markets such as Australia, New Zealand, India, the UK, Sweden, Liberia, Mauritius, and Tanzania.
Products and Services
ACL Cables PLC offers a comprehensive portfolio of electrical solutions. Its core product line includes a wide range of cables such as armoured and unarmoured cables with copper (Cu) and aluminium (Al) conductors, All Aluminium Alloy Conductors (AAAC), Aluminium Conductors Steel Reinforced (ACSR), and Partially Insulated Medium Voltage Overhead Conductors (ACL SAX). A key focus is on safety, with specialized fire-resistant cables like Fireguard, Fire Zero, and Fire Survivor, which meet stringent British and international standards for fire retardancy, low smoke emission, and halogen-free properties. The company's subsidiary, Cable Solutions (Pvt) Ltd., manufactures solar photovoltaic cables with German TUV certification.
Beyond cables, ACL provides a full suite of electrical accessories. This includes the ACL Elegance and VS Series of switches and sockets, available in various amperages (5A, 13A, 15A) and finishes. For circuit protection, the Venus and Mercury series offer miniature circuit breakers (MCB), residual-current devices (RCD), and isolators (main switches), designed to comply with IEC 60898-1 standards. Additionally, ACL manufactures and distributes energy-efficient ceiling fans, available in metal and aluminum blade variants, which have received Star ratings for energy efficiency and safety standards.
Technological Advancement and Quality Assurance
The company maintains a strong commitment to technological development and quality. ACL Cables operates an in-house, state-of-the-art laboratory equipped for comprehensive testing, including specialized fire-rated cable testing, which is unique in Sri Lanka. The company holds various international and local certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and was the first local company to receive SLS 1504-3-31 accreditation for its Low Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) non-sheathed cables. ACL's history includes significant technology transfer agreements with global leaders like NOKIA Cables of Finland for XLPE insulated cables and Aerial Bundled Cables, and Alind of India for aluminium conductors.
Market Influence and Corporate Responsibility
ACL Cables PLC's market dominance is supported by its extensive distribution network and strong relationships with key stakeholders. The company actively engages with electricians through its 'Electricians' Club,' offering benefits such as life insurance, co-branded debit cards, knowledge-sharing seminars, free eye clinics, and support for NVQ Level 4 certification, aiming to uplift professional standards. Furthermore, ACL partners with academic institutions like the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa (ITUM) to provide educational forums, internships, and practical industry exposure to engineering students. Financially, ACL Cables PLC consistently demonstrates strong performance, evidenced by significant profit and revenue growth, an [SL] AA- Stable credit rating from ICRA Lanka, and consistent recognition in prestigious rankings such as LMD's Top 40/50 Corporates, Business Today TOP 40, and various SLIM Brand Excellence and NASCO Awards.
