19/04/2013
For decades, the name Berco has been synonymous with precision and reliability in the world of machine tools, particularly for automotive and industrial engine reconditioning. Workshops and mechanics globally relied on Berco's robust cylinder boring machines, sophisticated resurfacing equipment for cylinder heads, and highly accurate crankshaft grinders. However, in September 2017, a sombre announcement sent shockwaves through the industry: the historic company Berco was ceasing the production of its renowned machine tools. This news, from a company controlled by the German holding company Thyssenkrupp, sparked a flurry of questions and concerns among professionals worldwide. While Thyssenkrupp continued its manufacturing of crawler tracks for earth-moving machines, the fate of the beloved Berco machine tool line remained shrouded in uncertainty, leaving countless users worried about the future of their operations.
The immediate aftermath of the announcement was marked by widespread apprehension. Mechanics and industry professionals found themselves grappling with a multitude of doubts. The most pressing questions revolved around the continuity of service and the availability of essential components. Who would ensure the supply of genuine Berco spare parts? How would customer service be maintained for such complex and vital machinery? These were not trivial concerns; the operational efficiency of countless workshops depended on the ready availability of parts and expert technical support. Furthermore, many wondered about the broader implications: which companies, if any, would step in to collect this significant legacy, and what would become of the iconic Berco brand itself?
A New Dawn: The ARA srl Agreement
Today, after a period of understandable anxiety and speculation, we can finally provide definitive answers to these critical questions. We are delighted to reassure all users and owners of Berco machine tools that the Berco customer and spare parts service remains not only efficient but also in full and active operation. This continuity is thanks to a crucial agreement signed in July 2018 between the parent company, Thyssenkrupp, and the Italian company, ARA srl. This landmark agreement granted ARA srl the exclusive official mandate for assistance and the global distribution of Berco spare parts.
What does this mean for you, the Berco machine tool operator? It signifies that all official Berco distributors and dealers, regardless of their location across the globe, now refer directly to ARA srl for the coordination of technical assistance and for the procurement of original Berco spare parts. This centralised approach ensures a consistent and reliable supply chain, allowing workshops to continue maintaining their Berco equipment with confidence, knowing that authentic components and expert support are readily accessible.
The Enduring Legacy: What Happened to the Berco Brand?
For many, the Berco brand represents a benchmark of quality and engineering excellence. The good news is that the Berco brand continues to exist, albeit now operating under two distinct and independent channels. On one hand, the brand will continue to represent the Copparo plant, focusing on its established production of tracks for earth-moving equipment. This continuity ensures that a significant part of Berco's industrial heritage remains intact.
On the other hand, and crucially for our sector, the Berco brand continues its presence in the machine tool sector. This persistence is entirely thanks to the dedicated assistance and spare parts service that ARA srl now guarantees to users of Berco equipment. So, while new machine production under the Berco name has ceased, the brand's commitment to supporting its existing machine tool base lives on through ARA srl's comprehensive service network. This split ensures that the legacy of Berco's quality continues to benefit its loyal customer base, even as the company's core manufacturing focus shifts.
The Phoenix Rises: Introducing BO Machine Tools
While Berco's future in the machine tool sector is primarily focused on technical assistance and original spare parts through ARA srl, the story doesn't end there. In a remarkable testament to innovation and continuity, the spirit of Berco's machine tool production is rising from its ashes, much like a phoenix. This rebirth is embodied in what we can truly define as a passing of the baton, leading to an exciting new chapter for the industry.
Based on the aforementioned contract, Thyssenkrupp granted ARA srl the unique opportunity to complete some machines that were not yet finished at the time of the agreement. More significantly, ARA srl has recently launched a range of highly anticipated products under the new brand: BO Machine Tools. This emerging reality is set to represent the natural evolution of what was once Berco machine tools for repair shops. The production of these new machines is already underway, promising to deliver the same level of precision and reliability that users have come to expect.
The initial lineup of BO Machine Tools models, designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern workshops, includes:
- BO Machine Tools ARB 651 – Con rod boring and grinding machine
- BO Machine Tools STC 361 – Resurfacing machine for cylinder head
- BO Machine Tools SM 2000 – Resurfacing machine for cylinder head
- BO Machine Tools SM 1300 – Resurfacing machine for cylinder head
- BO Machine Tools STC 330 – Swing head surface grinding machine
- BO Machine Tools RTM 270 – Crankshaft grinding machine
- BO Machine Tools ASV BL – Valve seat cutting machine
- BO Machine Tools SV 1000 – Valve seat cutting machine
- BO Machine Tools BT6 – Line boring machine for cylinder heads
This comprehensive range demonstrates ARA srl's commitment to filling the void left by Berco's production halt, ensuring that workshops have access to cutting-edge equipment designed with the same foundational principles of quality and performance that characterised Berco's offerings. Each model aims to build upon the established reputation, offering modern solutions for engine reconditioning and component repair.
Deep Dive: The BO Machine Tools BT6-VS Line Boring Machine
Among the new offerings, the BO Machine Tools BT6-VS horizontal boring machine for cylinder heads and engine blocks deserves special attention. For years, the original Berco BT6 was the undisputed reference machine tool for reconditioning crankshaft seats and camshaft seats in internal combustion engines. Manufactured in Berco's factories to the highest production standards, it was an indispensable linear boring machine for virtually every engine rebuilding workshop. Its discontinuation was met with significant regret across the automotive industry.
Recognising its pivotal role, ARA srl, following the acquisition of the Berco machine tools branch, made the strategic decision to propose a new, enhanced version of this iconic machine. The new BO Machine Tools BT6-VS is meticulously developed based on Berco's original technical drawings, ensuring that the core engineering excellence is preserved. However, it's not merely a reproduction; significant innovations and technological features have been introduced to elevate the performance of this already exceptional engine boring machine.
The new BT6-VS incorporates the robust basic features of the original Berco BT6, but with crucial upgrades. It now boasts a more powerful 1.1 kW electric motor, providing increased torque and efficiency for demanding operations. Furthermore, a variable spindle speed has been integrated, offering operators unparalleled flexibility in configuring machining parameters. This means greater precision, adaptability to various materials, and optimised results for different reconditioning tasks. ARA srl has also committed to using only high-quality components for the BO Machine Tools BT6-VS, ensuring its durability and reliability. Crucially, this advanced machine is entirely made in Italy, upholding a tradition of fine engineering and craftsmanship.
To illustrate the advancements, here's a comparison between the classic Berco BT6 and the innovative BO Machine Tools BT6-VS:
| Feature | Original Berco BT6 | New BO Machine Tools BT6-VS |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Horizontal boring for cylinder heads & engine blocks | Horizontal boring for cylinder heads & engine blocks |
| Motor Power | Standard | More powerful 1.1 kW |
| Spindle Speed | Fixed | Variable, for greater control |
| Manufacturing Standards | High Berco standards | Based on Berco original technical drawings, high-quality components, Made in Italy |
| Purpose | Engine reconditioning, crankshaft & camshaft seats | Enhanced engine reconditioning, crankshaft & camshaft seats |
The Future Landscape of Engine Rebuilding Tools
In essence, the future of Berco in the machine tool sector will continue to exist primarily through ARA srl, but exclusively for technical assistance and the provision of original Berco spare parts. This ensures that the existing fleet of Berco machines can be reliably maintained and kept in peak working condition for many years to come.
However, the true evolution and continuity of Berco's legacy in machine tool production will be spearheaded by the new BO Machine Tools brand. These machines, while distinct in name, are the direct descendants of Berco's design philosophy and engineering prowess, offering modern solutions for contemporary workshop needs. ARA srl's strategic vision ensures that the innovations and capabilities that made Berco famous are not lost but are instead refined and expanded upon under a new, dynamic identity. We will be dedicating an in-depth service to the emerging BO Machine Tools reality very soon, providing even more detailed insights into their capabilities and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Berco machine tool production completely over?
A: Yes, Berco officially ceased the production of new machine tools in September 2017. Their focus now, under Thyssenkrupp, is on crawler tracks for earth-moving equipment.
Q: Where can I get original Berco spare parts?
A: Original Berco spare parts are still available and fully supported. Since July 2018, ARA srl holds the exclusive global mandate for the distribution of genuine Berco spare parts. All official Berco distributors and dealers worldwide now refer to ARA srl for supply.
Q: Who handles Berco machine tool customer service now?
A: Customer service for Berco machine tools is now managed by ARA srl, which holds the exclusive official mandate for assistance on a global scale. Their service remains efficient and fully active.
Q: What is BO Machine Tools? Is it related to Berco?
A: BO Machine Tools is a new brand launched by ARA srl. It represents the natural evolution and continuity of Berco machine tools for repair shops. While not directly produced by Berco, BO Machine Tools are based on Berco's original technical drawings and design philosophy, ensuring a high standard of quality and performance.
Q: Can I still buy new machines based on Berco designs?
A: Yes, you can. ARA srl, under the BO Machine Tools brand, is producing new machinery based on Berco's original designs, incorporating modern innovations. Models like the BO Machine Tools BT6-VS are direct successors to classic Berco equipment.
Q: What improvements does the BO Machine Tools BT6-VS offer over the original Berco BT6?
A: The BO Machine Tools BT6-VS features a more powerful 1.1 kW motor and a variable spindle speed, offering greater configurability and efficiency for the operator. It also boasts high-quality, entirely Made in Italy components, ensuring enhanced performance and reliability.
Conclusion
The period following Berco's announcement in 2017 was undoubtedly unsettling for many in the automotive and industrial sectors. However, the comprehensive agreement between Thyssenkrupp and ARA srl has provided much-needed clarity and continuity. We can confidently state that the legacy of Berco lives on, not only through continued spare parts supply and dedicated customer service but also through the exciting innovations brought forth by the BO Machine Tools brand. If you are seeking original Berco spare parts, require technical assistance for your crankshaft grinders, horizontal boring machines, cylinder honing and boring machines, or any other Berco machine, please do not hesitate to contact us. Furthermore, if you wish to find information about official Berco distributors in your area, we are here to assist you and recommend trusted partners. The future of precision engine reconditioning remains bright, built upon the strong foundations of Berco's past and the innovative spirit of ARA srl.
If you want to read more articles similar to Berco Machine Tools: The Legacy Reborn?, you can visit the Automotive category.