Berner International has operated as the primary innovator in air curtain technology since its founding in 1956. Based in New Castle, Pennsylvania, the company was the first manufacturer of air curtains in the United States, established by Erling Berner under a license from a Swedish inventor. Over the past seven decades, the brand has evolved into a global benchmark for air movement engineering, providing critical infrastructure solutions that protect internal environments from outdoor temperatures, flying insects, and airborne contaminants.
The brand is specifically recognized for its ability to balance extreme mechanical performance with architectural aesthetics. Their portfolio is categorized into specialized series designed for different entry types: the Architectural Series (such as the Apex and Aria) focuses on low-profile, quiet operation for luxury hotels and restaurants, while the Industrial Series is engineered to handle massive door openings in warehouses and food processing plants. These units utilize high-velocity fans to create an invisible "curtain" of air that maintains up to 80% of a building’s conditioned air when doors are open, leading to significant energy savings and improved occupant comfort.
A defining modern characteristic of Berner is its integration of advanced digital controls and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Berner Intelliswitch is a standard-setting digital controller that allows facility managers to program the equipment based on door cycles, external temperatures, and time of day. Through the Berner App, operators can monitor and adjust their air curtains remotely, ensuring the units are only running when necessary to maximize the return on investment. Furthermore, the company has integrated specialized filtration and air purification technologies, such as HEPA filters and Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI), to actively neutralize pathogens in high-traffic areas.
The strategic value of Berner lies in its commitment to American manufacturing excellence and rigorous performance certification. Berner is a founding member of the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA), and its products undergo third-party testing to verify wind resistance and thermal efficiency. Supported by a robust network of factory-trained representatives and a comprehensive domestic parts inventory, Berner provides a reliable foundation for any business seeking to optimize energy efficiency and food safety at their entry points. This combination of heritage engineering and digital innovation makes Berner the primary partner for maintaining controlled environments across the global industrial and hospitality sectors.
