Headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF SE is the largest chemical producer in the world, supplying products to a broad range of industries with customers in over 190 countries. The company operates hundreds of production sites across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas and Africa. In North America, BASF Corporation is the largest affiliate of BASF SE with more than 100 production and research and development sites.
At a new BASF location in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, a large pavilion was built as a flex space for corporate events, gatherings, presentations and formal meetings. Originally, a projector and wall-mounted electric screen was used to support event activities, but in the outdoor setting, the system continually underperformed.
"Being outdoors, we had frequent issues with the projector system—from images being barely visible with so much ambient light to insects and pollen getting into the equipment and deteriorating image quality", said Jeffrey Coger, BASF facilities engineer. "The projector would also blind presenters on stage and set-up was a nightmare since the system was not permanently installed".
These ongoing difficulties called for a new solution.
"We needed a system that offered high image visibility and that would not be affected by the elements, including high temperature, humidity and pollen", Coger said. "It was also important that we could get time back from a maintenance perspective. We had to clean the projector and change bulbs often, and each event required a set-up and teardown".
Seeking a solution, BASF engaged audio visual systems integrator AVCON. "BASF built an incredible pavilion with beautiful woodwork and beams, but the projector system did not match the level of investment they made in the space", said AVCON Senior Project Developer Chuck Jones.
"They're objective was to create an environment that would appeal to their workforce—more companies today are investing in experimental facilities as a way to differentiate themselves and compete for talent. We began exploring LED technology, and specifically, a solution that was fully outdoor-rated with low pixel pitch and ultra-high brightness".
Featuring a high brightness of 5000-nits, the Planar VVR Series is a family of indoor and outdoor LED video wall displays that are designed for high ambient light applications including
large outdoor venues and events. Planar VVR Series LED video walls offer a wide range of configurations and easily adapt to various designs including hanging, stacking, wall-mounted or floor-mounted installations. With an IP65 Ingress Protection Rating, Planar VVR Series outdoor models feature a dust-tight enclosure to protect the LED display in harsh outdoor conditions. All electronics are contained in a single compartment on the back of the cabinet, which is easily removable to provide quick access to all components.
"The Planar VVR Series LED video wall meets all of the client's needs—it is bright, high resolution, weatherproof and blends with the pavilion from an aesthetic standpoint," Jones said. "They now have a display technology that gives the pavilion the impact they were looking for. It looks just phenomenal".
According to Coger, the vibrant and clear imagery provided by the new Planar VVR Series LED video wall has increased use of the pavilion.
"The imagery is unbelievably clear even in near direct sunlight," he said. "The reliability of LED means we are not fighting bulb burnouts anymore, allowing our maintenance team to work on other issues in the facility".
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
