At Leech Industries, we thrive on turning challenges into opportunities for our customers. Over the past year, we’ve developed a strong partnership with Berner International, a leading provider of air curtain technology based in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
This collaboration has highlighted our wide range of contract manufacturing services and reinforced the value of working with an AS9100 contract manufacturing company that provides end-to-end solutions.
The Proposition: From Mold Design to Full Assembly
Berner approached us in February 2024 with a challenge: they had a plastic injection mold produced overseas but lacked a reliable U.S. partner to run and refine it. Recognizing the potential for a comprehensive solution, we offered to not only run the mold but also assemble the final product. This was a game-changer for Berner, enabling them to streamline their production manufacturing plan while ensuring quality and efficiency.
Leech’s Comprehensive, One-Stop Contract Manufacturing Services
Leech Industries is more than just a tool and die company. We run the gamut, serving as a one-stop shop. For Berner, this meant:
Collaborative DFM
Our team at Leech worked closely with Berner to optimize their product and assembly process. Through design for manufacturing (DFM), we analyzed every aspect of the tool, assembly, and production to identify areas for improvement. This proactive approach ensured we could pivot quickly when unexpected changes arose, such as resizing a component to fit revised product specifications.
By addressing design adjustments during the development phase, we saved Berner significant time and resources.
Flexible Tool Sourcing
The Leech team expertly builds tools in-house for many of our customers. However, for OEMs that would prefer to source their tools from an overseas vendor, we’re happy to coordinate this. Leveraging our trusted partnership with Berner, our team partnered in obtaining a cost-effective tool from abroad while ensuring quality control through rigorous inspections and sample testing—the best of both worlds.
Custom Machining and Full Assembly
Using our extensive production machining services, we ran the mold efficiently to meet their precise specifications. In addition, our in-house assembly services allowed Berner to consolidate their supply chain, reducing costs and shortening lead times. Leech Industries is now producing the housing, securing the electronic components and completing the assembly of the remote Air Curtain control unit.
Communication and Trust
Throughout the project, our team maintained clear and consistent communication with our partners at Berner. Weekly updates kept their team informed on each stage of our process, and our open dialogue fostered a level of trust that is essential in an effective partnership.
![blog photo]()
The Future of Our Partnership with Berner
Following the success of this initial project, Berner has entrusted us with another initiative: prototyping a new assembly that they’re looking to move from an overseas supplier. Our team is designing a cost-effective tool in-house, assessing alternative materials to reduce cost and weight, and ensuring the project aligns with their vision.
This ongoing collaboration reflects our ability to support customers from prototype to full production.
What Our Success with Berner Means for You
Just as Berner leveraged our contract manufacturing services to great success, other OEMs can simplify their procurement process with Leech’s comprehensive solutions. Whether they require tool and die design or maintenance, complex CNC machining, or end-to-end support, our diverse capabilities make us an ideal partner for customers across a range of industries.
Interested in learning how we can support your custom manufacturing services? Contact our team to find out more.
