Case Study
Industrial Acoustics for a Safer, Smarter Workplace
- Client: NORS
- Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- Industrial Machine Shop
- Reverberation Reduction Project
The Challenge
At NORS’s Dartmouth machine shop, noise was more than just part of the job, it was interfering with communication and safety. With 35-foot ceilings, reflective surfaces, and constant use of heavy machinery, reverberation times stretched as long as six to eight seconds. Conversations between technicians were often lost in echo, instructions had to be repeated or shouted, and emergency alerts were difficult to hear clearly. For a facility focused on customization and service of heavy equipment, leadership recognized that these conditions were not sustainable for productivity, safety, or employee well-being.
The Solution
NORS partnered with Backman Vidcom to design and deliver a custom acoustic treatment tailored to the unique demands of the machine shop. The solution focused on reducing reverberation while ensuring durability, fire safety compliance, and minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Large wall surfaces were fitted with high-performance acoustic panels capable of withstanding a rugged industrial environment. Installation required careful planning to work around existing infrastructure and was completed smoothly within a short timeline, allowing the facility to continue operations throughout the process. The result was a dramatic improvement in the acoustical performance of the space, making it a more comfortable and safer workplace. This project is part of our broader AV design and integration solutions for demanding commercial and industrial spaces.
The Results
The impact of the upgrade was immediate. Reverberation was reduced by more than two-thirds, allowing technicians to communicate clearly without strain and enabling emergency alerts to be heard with confidence. The improved acoustics also contributed to reduced fatigue, sharper focus, and a more comfortable work environment overall. For NORS, the project reflects a proactive commitment to safety, accountability, and operational excellence, ensuring that their facility continues to support both performance and the wellbeing of their teams. Explore more of our commercial and industrial projects or browse additional case studies.
Whether you’re planning a new build, upgrading a facility, or need ongoing AV support, our Atlantic Canada team is ready. Contact us and we’ll assess your needs and get back to you.
FAQ
How do you reduce noise in an industrial machine shop?
Backman Vidcom fitted large wall surfaces with high-performance acoustic panels built to withstand a rugged industrial environment, reducing reverberation by more than two-thirds while meeting fire safety requirements.
Why is reverberation a safety issue in a workshop?
When reverberation stretches to six or eight seconds, spoken instructions and emergency alerts get lost in echo, forcing workers to shout and making warnings hard to hear. Controlling it makes communication and alerts reliable.
Can acoustic treatment be installed without shutting down operations?
Yes. The NORS installation was planned around existing infrastructure and completed within a short timeline, so the facility kept operating throughout the process.
How much can acoustic panels improve a noisy space?
At NORS, reverberation dropped by more than two-thirds from an original six to eight seconds, sharply improving speech clarity, focus, and worker comfort.