For immediate
release
2008 25 June
IAC of Winchester, global leader in noise control, celebrates 50 years
 The bunting is flying at successful Industrial Acoustics Company – IAC - of Winchester, on the Winnall Industrial Estate. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this month IAC marked the occasion with an IAC Family Party for over 300 staff and friends at their Winnall facility yesterday, Tuesday 24th June.
All staff and guests enjoyed champagne and a hog roast, escorted factory tours and speeches in the specially-erected marquee.
 IAC is somewhat of a success story. Founded in 1958, the celebrations are certainly justified given the road travelled in 50 years now that IAC enjoys pole position in its markets, and Group leads the world in the design and manufacture of noise control products and systems.
As well as the 200 people employed at the European manufacturing HQ in Winchester IAC employs a further 400 people worldwide: in the USA, five European countries and Hong Kong.
IAC’s key strength is the diversity of markets for its products – all of which are growing: from anechoic chambers for automotive manufacturers and research, TV and radio studios, HVAC silencers, audiology test rooms, silencers for gas turbines and diesel generators, acoustic doors, and windows and even aero-engine test rigs and sound barriers for airports, road and rail.
 IAC’s six-year investment and European acquisitions programme have enabled the company to exploit the market growth to the full. Thanks in part to anti-noise, health and safety legislation being on the increase throughout the world, IAC is bucking the trend when it comes to the demise of much of manufacturing industry in the UK.
But it was not always like this. Brian Quarendon, today’s Group President and CEO took over the loss-making company in 2002 – when it was regarded by its purchasers as a sleeping giant of huge potential. Brian Quarendon was headhunted into the role, for his strategic skills in turning round underperforming businesses. Under his leadership turnover has grown steadily and today exceeds £120m with over 30% derived from exports.
 At the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Brian Quarendon said: “It gives me great personal pleasure and pride to celebrate today where IAC has come over the past 50 years. IAC is the Rolls-Royce of our industry – we make some great products and as our slogan says we certainly do ‘make the world a quieter place’. Our acoustical engineers, manufacturing managers, factory workers and office and sales teams in Winchester, Colchester and Warrington, continue to do a phenomenal job. This is a day we can be proud of – a landmark in the history of IAC UK, and my thanks go out throughout the company for everyone’s hard work.”
IAC’s future path looks rosy especially given its enviable reputation for its award winning innovations. With manufacturing facilities in New York and France, and now over 100 agents and licensed partners in throughout Eastern Europe, India and China to reach more distant markets, IAC’s glittering client list continues to grow to include the world’s greatest and most successful companies. www.industrialacoustics.com/uk
ENDS
For:
- further media information
- a factory visit
- an interview with Brian Quarendon, CEO and Group President, or
- Geoff Crowhurst, Acoustic Division Director
.. please contact Sally Davis in the IAC Press Office on 023 9266 1700 m 07802 436739 sally@theprdepartment.co.uk
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