Unlocking Innovation: How Berk Works with Customers to Bring New Products to Market

Innovation is the key to success in today's dynamic and ever-evolving business environment. At the forefront of this transformative journey stands Berk International, a visionary manufacturer committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the paper towel, tissue, and non-woven wipes industry. 

In this article, we’ll explore a common challenge – and opportunity – for wholesale distributors: 

A customer has an idea for a product that does not currently exist on the market. How does Berk develop the product in partnership with their distributors? 

It Starts with Capacity: Berk as a Leading Manufacturer of Towels, Tissues, and Non-Woven Wipes

What makes Berk different from other non-woven wiper manufacturers?

For over 35 years, the Berk family has been creating and converting disposable wiping solutions –  starting out in their garage in Havertown, Pennsylvania. With major growth in the company from 2000 on, Berk has continued to develop into an internationally recognized manufacturer, selling products to distributors in every corner of the globe.

Currently, Berk operates in a 275,000 square-foot building with 17 production lines and state-of-the-art machinery that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What sets Berk apart from other manufacturers is their remarkable flexibility, allowing for customization across numerous aspects of the final product. As part of their commitment to meeting customers' unique requirements, Berk offers the option of modifying dimensions, choosing distinctive colors, experimenting with different materials, and even tailoring packaging styles to suit the wholesale distributor’s private label needs.

Berk International is not just a manufacturer; it's a strategic partner for those looking to deliver superior products in a highly competitive market.

Supply Chain Alchemy: Berk's Key to Transforming Distributor Visions into Reality

Berk’s impressive success in the manufacturing of paper towel, tissue, and non-woven wipes can be attributed in no small part to their extensive and deeply rooted network of connections with material suppliers.

This network of connections provides Berk with a competitive edge that few in the industry can match. It grants them immediate access to a wide range of high-quality materials and resources, making it possible to turn distributor product ideas into tangible, market-ready realities. 

SPUNLACE: A Commitment to Product Innovation

Berk’s approach to developing products in collaboration with wholesale distributors is a dynamic synergy of creativity, industry expertise, and customer-centricity. It begins with open communication and an in-depth understanding of the distributor's needs and market insights.

Berk’s Solution for Aerospace Wiper Needs:

It is essential that a product used for the manufacture or care of aircraft or aircraft parts be virtually lint free with exceptional wet and dry strength – heavy duty wipes that can withstand the solvents and chemicals used for the cleaning of these vital components are required.  

Four products in the Berk product catalog match this requirement:

• MIGHTYWIPE® 80: Superior wet strength, low lint
• SPUNLACE: Heavy-duty performance, virtually lint free
• Eden Soft®: Superior absorbency and wet strength
• CUTNDRY®: Strong and absorbent

An aerospace company approached one of Berk’s distributors with a specific request for a non-standard size and configuration of a wiper for use on windshields. This particular product was not a Berk stock item. Berk dedicated a team to work hand-in-hand with the distributor to meet the aerospace company’s requirement, tapping into their material supplier network to source the specific size of non-woven, virtually lint-free wipes.

Combined with custom packaging, the distributor proudly delivered and exceeded the aerospace client’s expectations. These customized product solutions enable distributors to bring their product catalog visions to life, as well as meet their end users' needs with unparalleled precision.

Innovative Partnerships: Berk's Journey from Concept to Customer Delight

Elmer Torres, Chief Executive and Vice President from The PaperHouse Corporation in Puerto Rico, came to Berk with a similar need.

A PaperHouse customer had expressed a desire for three packs of 50 wipes per case of a particular wiper. Berk did not have this option as a stock item, but they stepped up and worked with The PaperHouse's team to define their requirements and customize the solution.There was no price impact from the customization, and the end-user accepted The PaperHouse’s quote. Torres was delighted with the service from Berk, and now has an advantage in increasing his business with this particular end user.
Ready to revolutionize your product line? Contact Berk International now to ignite innovation and transform ideas into market-ready success. And don’t forget to keep an eye on our blog for our next article, where we’ll explore how Berk works with distributors who wish to establish their own private labels.