Amherst FiberOptics, Inc., a distributor of fusion splicers, has closed its operation.

According to the Nashville, Tenn.-based company's Web page
www.amherstfo.com, the company shut down "due in part to the dramatic downturn in the fiber optics market."

The parent company, TVC Communications, has terminated all of Amherst FiberOptics' employees.

Amherst FiberOptics was purchased by TVC Communications, Inc. on August 1, 2000. It was sold by The Ware Group, a privately held corporation, for an estimated $70 million.

Amherst was the sole distributor of Ericsson fusion splicers and sister company, Seca Photonics. Seca Photonics manufactures automated fusion splicing solutions in North America.