B ARCO F R E DR I K STA D
State-of-the-art immersive visualisation solutions you can count on www.barco.com
B A R C O
2
F R E D R I K S T A D
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
M
A
N
U
F
A
C
T
U
R
I
N
G
Innovators GLOBALLY
Barco is a brand that is known as a leader in its field. Boasting in-house competence, state-of-theart equipment and testing facilities, customers recognise its products as visualisation solutions that they can count on Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Dave Alexander
RENOWNED
in Visualisation
arco Fredrikstad is at the forefront of technological advancements in high resolution, compact visualisation projectors. Designed to perform in a wide variety of fields including control rooms, training and simulation, visitor attractions and scientific visualisation to name but a few, the company is one of the small number remaining in Europe that still designs and manufactures in-house. Part of the one billion euro Barco Group headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, the Norwegian arm of the business is located in Fredrikstad and is regularly recognised as a Centre of Excellence in the visualisation industry worldwide. Previously known as
projectiondesign, the company name was changed to Barco following an acquisition in 2013, which CEO John Paulissen says was designed to merge competencies and blend synergies of the two reputable visualisation companies: “The Group wanted to extend its focus into areas that it could build further strength in; namely simulation, visitor attractions, and the venues and hospitality industry. These were areas that projectiondesign held its strengths.” “The former projectiondesign brand and accompanying image is to be retained going forward as it has always focussed on the people behind the company. It remains invested in human development with an emphasis on our reputation as trustworthy and
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
3
B A R C O
F R E D R I K S T A D
PHILIPS DIGITAL PROJECTION LIGHTING Philips celebrates 20 years of UHP innovations For digital projector users, brightness, sharp and visible images, colors and the lifetime of lamps are of key importance. Since UHP lamp technology was invented in 1990 (and commercialized in 1994), Philips has been the market leader in projection lighting, supplying all the major Original Equipment and Original Design Manufacturers (OEM/ ODM) with a range of different lamp systems.
X-ray of the F3x projector platform
investable among partners,” says Paulissen. With the pace of development in the technology industry everincreasing, Barco Fredrikstad invariably invests in the latest innovations via a comprehensive R&D department, boasting state-of-the-art tech at the Norwegian site. “Technology never stands still and we believe that developing a strong set of products in line with this mantra will allow a smooth transition into new sectors to keep our hand in a broader range of markets,” says Paulissen.
Swire Marine Training Centre, Singapore
4
High-end products
Projectors from Barco provide ultrahigh resolution, ruggedness and a seamless integration into a variety of applications. Each projector is designed to be mounted on a motion platform, and their small size is a key enabler for many installations, saving on space and is made possible through the most advanced systems imaginable. Barco Fredrikstad conducts most of its business primarily across the simulator and visitor attractions industry or anywhere that requires a multiple-projector setup. “The simulator market is crucial to areas such as civil and military training as it is a much cheaper alternative to facilitate training for multiple people at a faster rate in a simulator than in a real plane for example, thus also reducing the costs incurred. As a global organisation, our F-series of projectors have an excellent reputation among key industry players,” comments Paulissen. In terms of the visitor attractions market, projectors are one of the key AV technologies used as a facilitator
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
Philips UHP lamps are the ideal light source for projectors. Not only do they offer the highest light output for the complex environments of Micro Display projectors, they also have a long operating life of up to 10,000 hours, with a low loss of lumens during their lifetime. However, UHP lamps must be handled with care as they reach extremely high temperatures (hotter than the sun) and operate under high pressure (ca. 200-250 bar). The Philips UHP lamp and ballast system has been developed in close partnership with our OEMs and is optimized to ensure a flickerfree picture with excellent color reproduction. Building on 20 years of innovation, Philips continues to develop UHP technology for specific lamp types and ballasts, to guarantee the ultimate projection experience. Toon Reynders T +32 1440 7951 E Toon.reynders@philips.com
www.philips.com/dpl
B A R C O
F R E D R I K S T A D
John Paulissen, CEO Previously a qualified chemical engineer, John Paulissen worked for GE in the plastics division before joining Barco in 2005. In 2006 he was tasked with running Barco manufacturing facilities in Beijing, China which lasted for eight years. Just six months ago he returned to lead the new division, Barco Fredrikstad in Norway. Paulissen incorporated western thinking into Barco’s new facility in China in order to innovate production methods. “We managed to build up the business in China and I am very proud to have been a part of this, it was very intense but we were rewarded in the long term, securing large growth for the Group,” he says.
Ship bridge simulator, Swire Marine Training Centre, Singapore, using 24 x F82 Barco projectors
to delivering interactive experiences, along with sound, motion, smell and animatronics. “Ultimately, it is all about the experience. Theme parks work with external bureaus in order to make these public attractions more than just a place to go, but a place of immersion and experience. By bringing movement and life to attractions, projectors help convey a message, concept or idea and are the only way to make truly enveloping curved screen displays for truly immersive environments. “The challenge is in finding and using
Back in Norway, Paulissen feels that the flat organisational structure at Barco Fredrikstad generates discussion which contributes to the continuous improvement of the organisation: “Our people dare to challenge the status quo. That is the only way we can improve as a company and better serve our customer.” Mechanical 3D measurement CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)
6
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
the correct technology that really enhances the storytelling and the experience for the visitor. We find that with our flexible, compact and high resolution projectors the technology becomes non-intrusive and really enhances the story,” details Paulissen.
Industry trends
As technology paces forward and delves into the probability of not necessarily bigger but brighter and higher resolution screens, Paulissen is confident that projection will remain the primary market for Barco Fredrikstad. “Using a projector in a simulator means you are able to create a seamless, curved immersive environment with the perception of depth. In pilot training for example, you wouldn’t want to see the horizon fragmented across multiple LCD screens. Of course, projectors will remain a key device in other industry practices too,” adds Paulissen. At present, a projector lamp has a limited lifetime, which means that changing the bulb after 2,000 hours is considered part of total cost of ownership. To keep up with demand for low maintenance costs, image
M A N U F A C T U R I N G
KEY SUPPLIERS By working closely with suppliers and research institutions such as universities, Barco Fredrikstad continue to grow around the world, from a little town in the South of Norway. • Long term relationship with Phillips that goes beyond the delivery of lamps, working together on new illumination technologies • Elka Group provides more than 30 different types of wires that are used within each projector. Known as a name you can trust for high quality, timely delivery and fast response to help • Infitec GmbH is a supplier that supports Barco in the field of 3D applications, a field that is getting more and more attention stability and projectors that are able to run 24-seven, Barco Fredrikstad is shifting towards solid state illumination technologies such as LED, laser and hybrid solutions. “We strive to create a projector without lamps and without excessive noise from the current fan-based cooling systems. Our thermal engineers test only the best cooling solutions for projection and by working to replace the lamp totally, we hope to reduce cost and inconvenience for customers but also reduce heat output in general. “The F50 projector is our latest innovation which encompasses new cooling techniques via separate enclosures designed to make it quieter,” says Paulissen.
Production line assembly at Barco Fredrikstad
New ideas
Mechanical prototype workshop facility
CEO and Vegard Nøklegård (Production Manager) with Barco’s latest innovation, the F50 projector
As with many other projector manufacturers, Barco Fredrikstad is also working on and adapting to the merging 4K and higher resolution
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
7
B A R C O
F R E D R I K S T A D
ELKA INTERNATIONAL LTD
E
stablished in 1974, ELKA International Ltd. has made its name by strong engineering support, customer-oriented services, and high performance products. ELKA focuses its efforts in four main areas: I/O solution, Mobile solution, Industrial solution, and Supplier Quality Engineering.
Norwegian-designed and robot-operated Auto Store can handle 360 storage box transactions an hour
Barco Fredrikstad manufacturing facility
8
State-of-the-art PCB production line
movement. “However, currently, the uptake of 4K content providers across any industry is low, which means the benefit of utilising such a high resolution projector is still low”,” adds Paulissen. Moving into new waters, Barco Fredrikstad has created its C-series of projectors to instil a more exciting environment in conference rooms. “We are working on a proposal to make meeting rooms more participative and easier to connect people in a more reliable and efficient way. By putting the Barco spin on ways to communicate in a virtual conference call environment, we provide the tools to simplify visual collaboration – wirelessly,” comments Paulissen. Going forward, a vital aspect of all Barco products will be their ability to operate 24-seven and the company has one of the lowest failure rates in the industry. “Simulators run multiple projectors at a time continuously. If just one of these were to fail you would not be able to use the facility, and the cost of shutting down such an attraction or a simulator can be extremely high. “Uptime needs to be as high as possible and consequently, we have developed a system that can detect
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
I/O solution has long been ELKA’s main product line, including variety of cable assemblies, such as HDMI, USB, and DisplayPort. To strengthen its ability in this field, ELKA invest considerable resources in the development of OE engine embedded product lately. Mobile solution is set up to serve the rapidly changing consumer market; best selling products are MFi accessories and USB chargers. Industrial solution provides OEM internal wire harness from simple to high complex. On SQE projects, ELKA helps customers to source the required items, work with suppliers on quality plans, and consolidate shipments. Elka’s Quality Certification: ISO9001 ISO14001 ISO13485 TS16949 Sony Green Partner UL Factory Elka’s Subsidiaries: Elkat Electronics (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia) Dongguan Yungtay Electronics Co., Ltd. (China) Veritas International Ltd. (Hong Kong) T +886.2.8692.6600 (Rep.) E sales@elka.com.tw
www.elka.com
Quality, Reliability, Honesty, Responsiblity
Services for Better Connections Specializing in audio, video, communication & electronic cable assembly and components.
Wire Harness for Machines and Devices
HDMI Active Cable
MFi Lightning Cables
USB 3.1 Type-C Cables
Wire Harness for InVehicle Infotainment
The Latest Purchased Machines
Quantum Data 980
Optical Fiber Polishing Machine
ELKA International Ltd.
Tel: 886.2.8692.6600 (Rep)
8F, No. 131, Sec. 2, Tatung Rd., Hsichih Dist.,
Fax: 886.2.8692.6262
New Taipei City 22183, Taiwan
www.elka.com
Elka’s Quality Certifications: ISO9001 ISO14001 ISO13485 TS16949 Sony Green Partner UL Factory Elka’s Memberships
B A R C O
F R E D R I K S T A D
INFITEC GMBH
I
NFITEC GmbH, a technology company located in Ulm, Germany, began life as a result of very successful research project of Daimler AG (formerly DaimlerChrysler AG) in 1999 and since then the company has set new standards, becoming the ultimate reference in solutions for the 3D visualisation industry. INFITEC® 3D is more than a technology manufacturer; we are a solution provider, bringing the 3D experience in the way that is meant to be seen. Our 3D expertise is the first choice, allowing companies such as Universal Studios, Florida to use INFITEC® 3D technology, providing immersive 3D for such attractions as Amazing Spiderman and the Transformers theme park.
www.infitec.net
Barco projection technology brings to life exhibitions at the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres (leper), Belgium
Visual inspection in the R&D department
All staff and diciplines in Barco Fredrikstad work under the same mantra, QTPC (Quality, Timeliness, Performance and Cost). That’s the way we achieve competitive advantage – Morten Eliassen, Quality Manager at Barco Fredrikstad
In-house industrial CAD
10
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
early failures. It is not just about new technologies, it is as much about ensuring that the product you make is cleverly designed and optimised to work within a designated environment,” Paulissen highlights.
Investing in R&D
To remain ahead in the industry, Barco Fredrikstad has strategically placed its R&D team close to its manufacturing operations. This, accompanied by higher degrees of automation on the manufacturing line, means the company is able to test and bring its innovations to market as fast as possible. “We are certified to conduct our own environmental testing on our products in-house, thus there is no need for months of waiting for an external party to test and re-test items,” confirms Paulissen. Consequently, Paulissen says that Barco’s biggest asset is its people: “My personal mission is to ensure
M A N U F A C T U R I N G
Benefits of Infitec 3D
Image by INCAS Training, www.incas-training.de
• Compatible with any screen and projection surface • Image quality not sensitive to viewing or projection angle • No silver screen required • Laser 6P 3D technology ready • No ghosting or flickering and no batteries required! • Greatly improved color balance and accuracy over standard INFITEC technology • Greatly improved brightness over competing passive 3D technologies
T: +49 731 146601 00 E: sales@infitec.net www.infitec.net there are processes in place that shape the staff at Barco Fredrikstad. Our short decision lines mean there is close collaboration on all levels between engineers, designers, quality control, production and so on. We pride ourselves on being a down to earth company that reaches out to the global world. “Moreover, our approach to our professional product range and our customers mirrors this close-knit style of operation. Our projectors offer best performance for its intended application at a good price-toperformance ratio and customers are invited to visit the site in Norway and speak directly with the people behind the products.” “Our customer centricity makes us stand out from the crowd as an innovative company. Ultimately, it is the difference in our people, their passion and our dedication that makes us stand out from the crowd,” concludes Paulissen.
In-house accredited Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratory for compliance certification of multimedia products
WWW.EUROPEOUTLOOKMAG.COM
11
BARCO FREDRIKSTAD Habornveien 53 1630 Fredrikstad Norway T: +47 69 304 550
www.barco.com