Norseman: Getting up to Speed on Safety Technology

Publish Date: January 2010

A Canadian-owned company is tapping into the latest technology to supply state-of-the-art ice rink pad systems to ensure the safety of 2010 speed skaters.  During the Winter Games, long-track speed skaters will exceed 60km/h, and the foam pads surrounding the ice rink are vital to athlete safety as they cushion the hurtling skater.

Norseman Inc. is the most technologically advanced custom industrial fabric and foam manufacturer in Canada and the Pacific Northwest.   The company's history dates back to 1921 when it was called North West Tent & Awning, a well-known manufacturer of cotton and canvas tents, tarps, and awnings.  In 1999, the company changed its name to Norseman Inc., reflecting its evolution into a global supplier of portable steel and fabric structures to protect drilling rigs from searing heat and Arctic cold.  Soon after, Norseman expanded to the protective packaging industry and began fabricating foam components.

Today, the company has a diverse workforce of more than 250 people across Canada.  It services a range of industries including transportation, agriculture, construction, forestry – and of course – fitness, sport, and recreation.

Norseman supplied rink pads for the Calgary Olympic Games in 1988, giving the company a head start to winning 2010 contracts.  But for the 2010 Games, specifications for the pads had changed significantly and meeting the new criteria was vital for a successful bid.

For help, Norsemen turned to Mount Royal College and the University of Calgary, where scientists have completed years of research on the best density, type and design of foam for protecting speed skaters.  When it comes to crash-testing, these scientists are no dummies.  They were the first to develop a computerized impact system to collect data using different kinds and combinations of foam.  They were able to minimize the force of impact and the bounce-back effect so falling skaters with razor sharp blades wouldn't be flung back into the path of oncoming skaters.

Using this cutting edge technology, Norseman was able to secure 2010 contracts for the Richmond Oval and Pacific Coliseum.  According to Bruce Finley, General Manager of Norseman's Langley office, the 2010 contracts will help the company gain new clientele and accelerate its expansion into the sport and recreation sectors.

"Olympic bragging rights are a huge marketing tool," says Finley.

"It's definitely a feather in our cap, and it is something that we would highlight as an accomplishment long after the Games are over."

« Back to Index    Next »