Abbeville Company Settles for $920K over Allegations of Falsifying Military Cable Tests

Columbia — A major cable manufacturer located in Abbeville has agreed to pay $920,000 as part of a settlement addressing serious allegations. The company, known as Prysmian Cables and Systems, has been accused of falsifying and not completing required tests on specific military cables.

Background on Prysmian Cables and Systems

Prysmian Cables and Systems is a prominent player in the global cable market. They produce a wide range of fibers, connectivity systems, and cables, labeling themselves as a “global cable player leading the energy transition and digital transformation.” The company operates facilities in over 50 countries, including locations in Abbeville and Lexington.

The Allegations

The issue centers around a particular product called the M13486 cable, which is used in military vehicles. According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, these cables must undergo rigorous standardized testing. However, it is alleged that Prysmian prepared and submitted false test results and certifications of compliance instead.

The false testing reportedly occurred between 2005 and 2021 at the company’s facility in Paragould, Arkansas. Prysmian acquired this facility in 2018, which means some of the alleged misconduct predates their ownership.

Internal Investigation and Fallout

The discrepancies came to light in early 2021, when a Defense Logistics Agency employee noticed irregularities in Prysmian’s manufacturing and testing dates. This led to an internal investigation by the company. As a result, four employees were terminated, including the quality manager, quality systems coordinator, quality engineer, and product development supervisor. The company also repurchased all suspect cables that had been shipped to distributors and made a mandatory disclosure to authorities.

Government’s Stance

The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service have emphasized the significant risks posed by defective products, particularly those intended for military use. Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Settle stressed the importance of accountability for fraudulent activities that impact the Department of Defense.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton added that companies doing business with the U.S. government must be held to their contractual commitments, including mandatory testing requirements.

Prysmian’s Presence in Abbeville

Prysmian has a longstanding presence in Abbeville, having opened their facility there in 1964. The plant produces low and medium voltage power cables and is described as “a leading supplier for the construction of renewable power facilities throughout North America” in a company press release.

“`