INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Nacre US, Inc.
Brian Burns
President
Nacre US, Inc.
Q: What is the QuietPro?
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 staff has exploited a deep understanding of the critical requirements put on a piece of gear which 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. We developed the product based on years of intensive research and in close cooperation with the Norwegian and Swedish armed forces. The product has been field tested and in active use by military forces since early 2005.
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 makes QuietPro stand out in a crowded marketplace?
A: QuietPro has been through numerous tests both in the U.S. as well as in Norway and Sweden. 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. This includes choosing quality solutions and components where others look at cost first and performance last.
We know what risks Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen and women take in serving their country. Therefore we always go an 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 US, Inc. is the U.S. office for sales, marketing and customer support representing the parent organization, Nacre AS, located in Trondheim, Norway. Nacre AS, a spin-off from SINTEF, the number four European Independent Research Institute, was tasked to develop, industrialize, 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 modernization program, NORMANS.
QuietPro is currently in service with the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, 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 praises from those using the headsets and we have received word back that our product not only saving hearing but also allowing for increased situational awareness by those that wear it and has saved lives as well.
Nacre AS 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 at 900 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, R.I. Bacou-Dalloz has 2,000 employees in the US 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 goals for this year?
A: 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 years Soldier Technology conference in London on June 26, 2007. 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.
Nacre AS is the current successful supplier of the QuietPro communication and hearing protection headsets for use with the new Motorola Integrated Intra Squad Radio as well as the MBITR radio from Thales [dual configuration] to the United States Marine Corps.
Nacre AS has delivered over 45,000 QuietPro communication and hearing protection headsets to customers in 13 Nations on four continents including: U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force; U.S. Army PM Land Warrior; U.S. Army Asymmetrical Warfare Group; U.S. Special Operations Command; U.S. Air Force TAC-P units; U.S. national intelligence community; Norwegian Army; British Special Forces; Swedish Armed Forces; Danish Armed Forces; Dutch special operation; Finnish special operations; Italian special operations; and Norwegian offshore companies.
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. •
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 staff has exploited a deep understanding of the critical requirements put on a piece of gear which 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. We developed the product based on years of intensive research and in close cooperation with the Norwegian and Swedish armed forces. The product has been field tested and in active use by military forces since early 2005.
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 makes QuietPro stand out in a crowded marketplace?
A: QuietPro has been through numerous tests both in the U.S. as well as in Norway and Sweden. 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. This includes choosing quality solutions and components where others look at cost first and performance last.
We know what risks Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen and women take in serving their country. Therefore we always go an 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 US, Inc. is the U.S. office for sales, marketing and customer support representing the parent organization, Nacre AS, located in Trondheim, Norway. Nacre AS, a spin-off from SINTEF, the number four European Independent Research Institute, was tasked to develop, industrialize, 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 modernization program, NORMANS.
QuietPro is currently in service with the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, 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 praises from those using the headsets and we have received word back that our product not only saving hearing but also allowing for increased situational awareness by those that wear it and has saved lives as well.
Nacre AS 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 at 900 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, R.I. Bacou-Dalloz has 2,000 employees in the US 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 goals for this year?
A: 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 years Soldier Technology conference in London on June 26, 2007. 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.
Nacre AS is the current successful supplier of the QuietPro communication and hearing protection headsets for use with the new Motorola Integrated Intra Squad Radio as well as the MBITR radio from Thales [dual configuration] to the United States Marine Corps.
Nacre AS has delivered over 45,000 QuietPro communication and hearing protection headsets to customers in 13 Nations on four continents including: U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force; U.S. Army PM Land Warrior; U.S. Army Asymmetrical Warfare Group; U.S. Special Operations Command; U.S. Air Force TAC-P units; U.S. national intelligence community; Norwegian Army; British Special Forces; Swedish Armed Forces; Danish Armed Forces; Dutch special operation; Finnish special operations; Italian special operations; and Norwegian offshore companies.
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. •