Berken Solutions - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Berken Solutions, established in 2017 and headquartered in Watertown, Wisconsin, is a privately held company specializing in innovative conveyor solutions for the Construction and Engineering industry. The company primarily serves Integrators and OEMs, focusing on critical aspects of material handling. Its mission is to ensure seamless conveyor integration, enabling its integrator clients to deliver superior solutions to their customers. Berken Solutions is committed to customer satisfaction, providing comprehensive after-project service and support to optimize conveyor system performance and build lasting relationships. The company plays a significant role in the evolving material handling sector by championing Motorized Driven Roller (MDR) technology and open-source software controls, driving efficiency and flexibility.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Berken Solutions is driven by core objectives centered on delivering high-quality, tailored conveyor solutions that meet the specific material handling requirements of its clients.

Customized Solution Delivery: To design, manufacture, and install bespoke conveyor systems that address unique operational challenges.

Enhanced Customer Success: To empower integrator clients as "master solutioneers" by providing reliable and easily integrated conveyor systems.

Client Satisfaction and Support: To ensure optimal conveyor system performance through comprehensive after-project service and support, fostering long-term relationships.

Project Lifecycle Involvement: To engage throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and engineering to installation and programming, ensuring seamless execution.

Specialization Areas

The company distinguishes itself through several key areas of expertise and unique value propositions:

Motorized Driven Rollers (MDR) Technology: Specialization in MDR systems, which offer benefits such as energy efficiency, enhanced safety due to 24-volt DC operation, and limited torque.

Open-Source Software Advocacy: Promoting the use of vendor-agnostic open-source software for conveyor controls, ensuring flexibility and compatibility across diverse operations.

Customization: Offering extensive customization options for conveyor systems, including length, width, and paint color, to precisely match client needs.

On-site Fabrication: Providing in-house fabrication services through the acquisition of S&M Machine, enhancing control over manufacturing quality and lead times.

Target Markets

Berken Solutions targets a diverse range of market segments, primarily serving Integrators and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Industrial Sectors: Key end-user industries include the paper tissue industry, manufacturing, warehousing, and food and beverage sectors, where efficient material handling is crucial.

Geographic Focus: The company aims to expand its reach for custom conveyor solutions to OEMs and integrators across the United States.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Berken Solutions was founded in 2017.

Total Funds Raised: The company has raised $100,000 in funding.

Recent Funding Round:

Date and Amount: A private debt financing deal was secured on December 28, 2017, for $100,000.

Key Investors: Information on specific investors for this private debt financing is not publicly available.

Fund Utilization: The funding contributed to the initial establishment and growth of the company, enabling its specialization in conveyor solutions.

Impact on Company Growth: This initial capital facilitated the company's early operations and its strategic development, evolving from a garage-based startup to a significant player in custom conveyor systems.

3. Product Pipeline

Berken Solutions offers a comprehensive range of material handling products and integrated solutions, focusing on innovative and efficient designs.

Light Goods Conveyors:

Description: Conveyor systems primarily focused on 24VDC and 48VDC power for handling packages up to 60 pounds.

Development Stage: Established and actively deployed.

Target Market/Condition: Warehousing, e-commerce, and light manufacturing for discrete package movement.

Key Features and Benefits: Energy efficiency, precise control, reduced noise.

Medium Duty Conveyors:

Description: Conveyor solutions designed for heavier packages and more robust applications.

Development Stage: Established and actively deployed.

Target Market/Condition: General manufacturing, distribution centers requiring more durable handling.

Key Features and Benefits: Increased load capacity, enhanced durability.

Pallet Conveyors:

Description: Systems engineered for the transportation of pallets and heavy unit loads.

Development Stage: Established and actively deployed.

Target Market/Condition: Heavy manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics for large-scale material movement.

Key Features and Benefits: High load capacity, robust construction, essential for heavy goods.

Conveyor Accessories:

Description: A range of supplementary components and modules to enhance and customize conveyor system functionality.

Development Stage: Established and actively deployed.

Target Market/Condition: Across all industries utilizing Berken Solutions' conveyor systems.

Key Features and Benefits: Customization, system optimization, extended functionality.

Integrated Solutions:

Spiral Divert (utilizing Ryson technology):

Description: Systems designed for efficient vertical movement and diversion of products.

Key Features and Benefits: Space-saving vertical transport, smooth product flow.

Spiral MDR Accumulating Systems:

Description: MDR-based spiral conveyors providing space-saving accumulation capabilities.

Key Features and Benefits: Intelligent accumulation, energy efficiency, optimized footprint.

Spiral 480VAC Transport (Ryson):

Description: High-capacity spiral conveyors for vertical transportation using 480VAC power.

Key Features and Benefits: Robust vertical movement for demanding applications.

Motor Driven Roller (MDR) Sorters:

Description: Sorting systems utilizing MDR technology with capacities up to 35 cartons per minute.

Key Features and Benefits: High-speed sorting, precise item handling, modular design.

Vertical Lift Systems (powered by Interroll):

Description: Automated systems for vertical transportation of goods between different levels.

Key Features and Benefits: Efficient vertical movement, ergonomic improvements, space optimization.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for crossing forklift aisles:

Description: Integration of AMRs for material movement, particularly in scenarios requiring crossing forklift aisles in low-rate systems.

Key Features and Benefits: Flexible material transport, improved safety in shared spaces, scalability.

Dimension Weigh Scan Manifest Systems:

Description: Integrated systems to streamline package processing, including dimensioning, weighing, scanning, and manifest generation.

Key Features and Benefits: Automated data capture, increased accuracy, improved throughput, compliance.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Berken Solutions positions itself as a forward-thinking conveyor manufacturer, incorporating cutting-edge technology for enhanced efficiency and productivity.

Core Platforms and Technologies:

Motorized Driven Rollers (MDR): The company's core technology, featuring individual rollers with embedded motors for precise zonal control, driving products only as needed. This significantly contributes to energy efficiency and safety due to 24-volt DC operation.

Modern Drive Card Technologies: Networkable drive cards provide advanced diagnostics and real-time runtime data on rollers. This enables proactive preventative maintenance by identifying high amp draws before potential roller failures.

Open-Source Software for Conveyor Controls: Championing vendor-agnostic open-source software, which promotes flexibility, compatibility, and customizability across client operations.

SVT Robotics SOFTBOT® Platform: Strategic integration with SVT Robotics' platform allows for standard software connections between various automation components, reducing the need for custom coding and significantly cutting project cycle times. This facilitates seamless integration with systems like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

Proprietary Developments:

While not strictly proprietary in the sense of patents, Berken Solutions' expertise lies in the custom design and integration of these advanced technologies into highly specific and tailored conveyor solutions, which forms their unique offering. Their approach to leveraging MDRs with open-source controls and diagnostic capabilities represents an innovative methodology in the industry.

Scientific Methodologies:

Data-Driven Maintenance: Utilizing networkable drive cards for real-time diagnostics and data collection to predict and prevent failures, shifting towards a more data-driven maintenance strategy.

Modular System Design: Developing and reusing modular components and software integrations to accelerate deployments and enhance system flexibility for future projects.

Technical Capabilities:

System Integration Expertise: Proficient in integrating complex material handling systems, including vertical lifts (Interroll), spiral conveyors (Ryson), and AMRs, into cohesive operational flows.

Controls Engineering: Strong capabilities in conveyor controls programming, particularly with open-source platforms, ensuring precise and adaptable system operation.

Fabrication and Manufacturing: In-house fabrication services provide greater control over manufacturing quality, customization, and lead times.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Berken Solutions is led by an experienced team with deep expertise in the conveyor and material handling industry.

Jeff Berken

Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Professional Background: Started Berken Solutions in his garage in 2017, bringing approximately 20 years of experience in the conveyor business.

Key Contributions to the Company: Founder, visionary leader driving the company's specialization in MDR technology and custom solutions, overseeing significant growth from a startup to a major facility owner.

Kyle Rodabaugh

Position: VP Sales

Professional Background: Extensive sales experience, focusing on driving revenue and market presence for Berken Solutions.

Brett Allard

Position: Director of Engineering

Professional Background: Leads the engineering department, responsible for the design and technical innovation of conveyor systems.

Tony Inderdahl

Position: Project Manager

Professional Background: Manages and coordinates complex projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely and successful delivery.

Chase Allard

Position: Supply Chain Manager

Professional Background: Oversees the entire supply chain operation, optimizing procurement, logistics, and inventory management.

Tom Ameen

Position: Design Engineer

Professional Background: Contributes to the mechanical design and development of custom conveyor solutions.

Adam Giacalone

Position: Sr. Controls Engineer

Professional Background: Specialized in designing and implementing advanced control systems for conveyor automation.

Seth Wilson

Position: Sales Engineer

Professional Background: Bridges the gap between sales and engineering, providing technical expertise to clients and supporting sales efforts.

Recent Leadership Changes

No significant recent leadership changes have been publicly documented beyond the initial formation of the executive team under founder Jeff Berken.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Berken Solutions demonstrates a strong growth trajectory evident in its expanding workforce and operational footprint.
Company Size and Expansion Metrics: Starting from a garage in 2017, the company moved into a 160,000-square-foot facility in Oconto Falls in December 2022. The subsequent acquisition of the building and S&M Machine in 2023 added on-site fabrication services and significantly expanded manufacturing capabilities.

Workforce Growth: This expansion led to an approximate increase of 20 employees. The company plans to add another 10 employees in 2025, bringing the total team size to an estimated 40-45 individuals.

Key Roles Being Recruited: Berken Solutions is actively recruiting for various roles to support its growth in custom conveyor solutions, indicating a need for skilled professionals across engineering, operations, and project management.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Berken Solutions maintains a professional digital footprint focused on industry engagement and thought leadership.
Social Media Activity Across Platforms: The company has an active presence on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Brand Messaging and Positioning: Through these platforms, Berken Solutions emphasizes its expertise in automation, particularly MDR technology, highlighting its benefits for clients.

Thought Leadership Initiatives: The CEO, Jeff Berken, has featured in interviews on YouTube, discussing automation trends in the conveyor industry and the advantages of MDR technology, positioning the company as an innovator and expert.

Community Engagement Strategies: Social media profiles are used for professional networking, sharing company updates, and showcasing their solutions and projects. Links to their LinkedIn and YouTube profiles are prominently featured on their website.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Berken Solutions has received recognition for its significant growth and expansion within its operational region.
Notable Achievements and Milestones: The company has been recognized for its growth in Oconto Falls, specifically highlighted by its move into and subsequent acquisition of a 160,000-square-foot facility in December 2022 and 2023, respectively. This expansion also included the acquisition of S&M Machine, which added crucial on-site fabrication services and increased employee numbers.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

In the dynamic conveyor solution industry, Berken Solutions operates within a competitive landscape characterized by increasing automation and industry consolidation. While specific competitor names are not provided, the company differentiates itself from the broader market of conveyor manufacturers and material handling solution providers.
Competitive Environment: The industry has seen numerous mergers and acquisitions, leading to fewer small to medium-sized companies supplying conveyor solutions. Berken Solutions positions itself as a customer-focused, agile alternative within this consolidating market.

Focus Areas: Many larger competitors offer a broad range of material handling equipment, often focusing on standardized solutions.

Technological Capabilities: Competitors vary in their adoption of advanced technologies; however, Berken Solutions' deep specialization in Motorized Driven Rollers (MDR) and advocacy for open-source software offer a distinct technological edge.

Competitive Positioning: Berken Solutions differentiates itself by:

MDR Specialization: Its core focus on MDR technology provides benefits in energy efficiency, safety, and precise control, setting it apart from companies primarily offering traditional belt or chain driven conveyors.

Customization: A strong emphasis on delivering highly customized solutions, including tailored lengths, widths, and paint colors, addressing specific client needs that standardized offerings might miss.