Member Article

Merford launches in the UK, Tackling Noise Pollution

Merford, a leading specialist in industrial noise control, is launching in the UK with the aim of significantly reducing noise pollution. With over 60 years’ experience and a portfolio of tried and tested acoustic products, Merford is quietly innovating European societies creating a noise-free environment that benefits everyone.

In the UK there’s a growing need for innovative and cost effective solutions to tackle noise pollution across all industries, as Gary Dawson, UK Account Manager Merford Noise Control, explains. “Generally speaking, noise control equipment hasn’t developed at the same pace as other fields of engineering; most noise control products manufactured today are very similar to what was being made in the 1950’s.”

Tackling this issue, Merford has identified two prevalent trends making noise control an urgent need across Britain. The increased density of populations in major cities has seen residential areas ‘merging’ with more traditional commercial and industrial spaces. People and industry are literally ‘growing towards each other’, which increases noise levels and the likelihood of noise complaints. At the same time, people are much more aware of the damaging effects of noise pollution on their health and wellbeing, and are no longer willing to simply ‘put up’ with excessive noise.

In the UK, noise is being recognised as an environmental problem, due to the potentially serious effect it can have on people’s health, for example sleep disturbance, poorer work performance and, in some cases, cardiovascular issues.[1] In fact, over 30% of Europe’s population is regularly exposed to noise exceeding 55 decibels (dB) at night[2] – in comparison; the World Health Organisation recommends community noise at night to be less than 30dB.[3] This has led to people’s tolerance for noise decreasing, with an increasing number of consumers making decisions based on this.[4]

Utilising its range of unique and innovative noise reducing technologies, including active-noise reduction of electricity substations near urban areas, Merford is looking to benefit all UK industries and residents. Having worked with major companies across Europe, such as Carrier, Tata, Caterpillar, BMW and ABB to name but a few, Merford will now be bringing its expert knowledge and innovation ‘over here’, to help provide UK companies with the best possible solutions for their noise control issues.

“People cannot experience ‘pure’ silence, however the sense of quiet or having a ‘quiet life’ is arguably an aspiration many of us are looking to achieve”[5], states Olivier Wallien, Business Unit Manager Merford Noise Control. “The advancement of technology has meant quietness is becoming harder to attain and has resulted in a noisy world, which all companies’ large or small, industrial or commercial need to address. At Merford, we wanted to do more with what we excel in: controlling noise as a means of making our housing, working and living environment more enjoyable and healthier. We can develop solutions for any business faced with an ‘acoustic’ problem.”

[1] World Health Organisation

[2] World Health Organisation

[3] World Health Organisation

[4] Telegraph.co.uk, 26 March 2014

[5] Forbes, 11 April 2016

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gary Dawson .