Soundproofing panels at bicycle parts factory bring down noise levels

At Nakano Metal Press' bicycle parts manufacturing factory in Joo Koon, many of the metal stamping machines are fitted with soundproofing panels or foam boards.

- Esther Loi

It is part of an effort to bring down noise levels at the factory, and protect the hearing of workers who operate and run the machines.

Since 2021, the firm has fitted 17 of its 21 machines with either soundproofing enclosures or acoustic boards. It plans to do the same for its remaining machines by mid-2025.

This move, which is part of a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) initiative to address noise-induced deafness at workplaces, has brought down noise levels at the site by five to 10 decibels – with the most significant reduction observed in the newer machines fitted with fully enclosed soundproofing covers.

Speaking during a media visit to the factory on Oct 17, Nakano assistant quality assurance engineer Chin Huey Lee said the newer soundproofed machines are more comfortable to work with.