INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Nacre AS
.jpg)
Eivind Bergsmyr
President and CEO
Nacre AS
Q: We’ve been hearing about QuietPro. Can you tell me about it?
A: QuietPro is the world’s most advanced in-ear digital hearing protector and communication headset. Its development is due to the results of years of research combined with a deep understanding of acoustics, digital signal processing and electronics. At the same time the development team has exploited a deep understanding of the critical requirements put on a piece of gear that is going to be worn by a Marine, soldier, sailor or airman in combat. This has lead to a product that is extremely rugged and ready to go into battle.
QuietPro is a patented digital in-ear communication and hearing protection headset based on sophisticated digital sound processing technology. The product has been field tested and in active use by military forces since early 2005. It is currently fielded in tens of thousands of units.
The brain of the QuietPro is a proprietary application specific integrated circuit, which is a master of instantaneous digital sound processing. This circuit is designed and developed in order to provide the highest level of hearing protection while allowing a user to maintain true natural hearing to support both normal and radio communications.
Q: What differentiates QuietPro from anything else out there on the market?
A: QuietPro has been through numerous tests both in the Americas as well as in Europe. These include laboratory tests and field trials as well as real combat deployments. In all tests, the testers and the user community have rated QuietPro far above other in-ear competition. This is due to our sophisticated, proprietary digital platform, our detailed understanding of the requirements and our commitment to make an outstanding product.
We know what risks Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen and women take in serving their country. Therefore we always go the extra mile to make sure that our product can help him or her do a better job with less risk to personal health and safety.
Q: How is Nacre established in the military market?
A: Nacre was founded to develop, industrialise, manufacture and sell QuietPro. The development has been heavily influenced and co-funded by the Norwegian and Swedish armed forces through a joint development program. QuietPro is a part of the Norwegian Soldier Modernisation Program—NORMANS.
In establishing its U.S. presence, QuietPro is currently in service with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and other U.S. government agencies as well as Allied and NATO forces in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Its performance in battle has won praise from those using the headsets, and we have received word back that our product is not only saving hearing but also allowing for increased situational awareness by those that wear it and has saved lives as well.
Nacre was acquired by Bacou- Dalloz USA, Inc. as of June 15, 2007. Bacou-Dalloz USA, Inc. is registered in Pennsylvania and has its headquarters office out of Smithfield, R.I. The company has 2,000 employees in the U.S. and is the global leader in industrial safety and personal protection equipment. Having a U.S.-based owner increases and strengthens our presence in the U.S. market and boosts the already planned implementation of our U.S. presence.
Q: Can you provide examples of successes within the military and your goals for this year?
A: Being chosen as the headset to accompany the new U.S. Marine Corps Integrated Intra Squad Radio was the major breakthrough for QuietPro. This year we have been successful in adding the Army, Air Force and special operations to the customer list as well as several European and Asian countries. We continue to work with both U.S. and allied militaries to expand the fielding of the QuietPro to forces deployed in support of the global war on terrorism. The U.S. military medical community continues to champion the QuietPro for its ability to protect the hearing and ultimately the lives of those that wear it.
QuietPro was awarded the first prize for Innovative Product with Best Battle Capabilities at this year’s Soldier Technology conference in London. The judges were leading soldier technology experts from military forces in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. We see this as another proof of the products unique capabilities in battle.
As we look to the future we will continue to improve the QuietPro to make it even better for the user. We are currently in development with U.S. and allied soldier modernization programs to incorporate the technology and capabilities of the QuietPro into future combat systems around the world. ♦