Berner Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — When Erling Berner came to America in 1956 to bring European technology to the United States, he already envisioned his efforts growing into one of  largest family-owned air-door/air curtains (a rectangular box that contains motors and fans and sits over the doorway, blowing air down across the doorway) manufacturing companies in the country.  During the past two decades alone, Berner International has tripled its number of employees and increased its revenue by 600%.

From a small, metal building on the outskirts of New Castle, Erling and his son, Christian, began expanding the business from the East Coast to the West Coast.  Building their doors with the latest technology, Berner soon earned a reputation for innovative product design features.

During the late 1970’s, Berner took the lead in approaching other air door/air curtain manufacturers to work with A.M.C.A. (Air Movement Control Association) in successfully developing a certified method of rating air door/air curtain performance.

Bringing production in-house was a significant milestone during the 1970’s. Prior to this date, parts were purchased outside and brought in and assembled.  This was turning point in the Company’s ability to offer customers a less expensive product and improved delivery times. 

In 1984, Christian Berner died in a plane crash, leaving his widow, Georgia with four children spanning from age 9 to age 16. Despite a lack of formal business training, Georgia went to work running the Company. 

Mrs. Berner’s focus in the 80’s and early 90’s was on employee relations and marketing.  Advertising was performed for the first time with the goal of establishing Berner’s image as customer driven.   Internally, management’s novel approach to human relations led to flex time for all workers. Employee involvement in community activities was part of the job.  Technology also influenced major production line process improvements.

Additionally, the Company ramped up sales efforts and focused on product training for its sales distributor network.  As a result, Berner landed several national accounts which launched them into the next growth phase.

During the late 90’s, when the economy was weak, the Company took a risk and began construction of a 60,000 square-foot manufacturing and office complex on its current Shenango Commerce Park site.  It was completed in 2001, drastically reducing subcontracting costs and tripling the size of Berner's operating space. 

Berner Energy Recovery started in 2000.  This division of the company manufacturers energy recovery ventilators, which provide fresh air to meet (or exceed) new building code requirements, while cutting energy costs and improving indoor air quality.

Product innovation continues to drive new product development with the introduction, in January 2006, of Berner’s In-Ceiling Mount air curtain.  This unit is a duel product which combines air curtain performance with a new cabinet heater.  

Berner is currently working toward introducing its new VVU Certified Performance Seal, which guarantees the proper balance of volume, velocity, and uniformity.  These three components combine to create effective protection that only Berner air curtains provide.  Berner is also developing software tools which enable the field-sales reps to configure products immediately with customers.  Berner currently builds over 14 different models of air curtains which can protect openings up to 30’ high.

In its 50th year, Berner also is in the process of creating “Berner University,” an online resource, available on their website, dedicated to providing comprehensive information about the air door industry, including tools to help architects and engineers evaluate air door needs for specific applications.

Berner currently employs 61 people, all of whom receive substantial benefit packages, including 401(k) contributions and full health care coverage.

The company's anniversary will be celebrated by the third generation of Berner family members and employees who actively maintain the tradition of quality, reliability and a commitment to the customer service that marked Berner's beginnings 50 years ago.

Berner is located at Shenango Commerce Park, 111 Progress Ave in New Castle.