Designer of special-purpose machines and industrial automation solutions, made to measure
A strenuous task to eliminate, a production rate to hold, a product nobody knows how to mass-produce? Since 1957, we have been designing, building and commissioning the machine that meets your need.
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+65 yearsof industrial experience
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100 %in-house, made to measure
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Virtual realityat the design stage
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Made in Francelocal suppliers
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Remote maintenancevia VPN or 4G
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From A to Za single point of contact
A production problem? We have the skills it takes
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Special-purpose machines
Custom-designed equipment, sized for your production environment
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CAD design
Footprint, maintenance access and kinematics validated in 3D before manufacturing
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Electrical design
Cabinets built in-house, labelled wiring, plug-in connectors
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Automation
Structured programs and clear operator screens, to limit operating errors
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Axis control & motion
Brushless axes sized for the real loads: inertia, friction, cycle rate
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Robotics
Robotic cells for repetitive, strenuous or hazardous tasks
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Machine vision
In-line inspection, sorting and robot guidance, with controlled lighting
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Virtual reality
Workstation ergonomics and maintenance access checked at full scale
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Machining & metal fabrication
Subcontracting to drawing: turning, milling, cutting, bending, welding
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Industrial maintenance
On-site or remote troubleshooting, with root-cause analysis of the failure
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Retrofit & compliance
Modernisation of existing machines and safety compliance upgrades, following a risk assessment
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Transfer & installation
Dismantling, transport, reinstallation and testing before return to production
An industrial partner above all
We favour a partnership approach, with our customers as well as our suppliers, in order to develop equipment that precisely meets the stated needs. Wherever possible, we work with local suppliers.
- Custom solutions
- Responsiveness
- Technical expertise
- Local suppliers preferred
- Long-term support
Understanding your challenges to build lasting solutions together.
Machining to drawing and metal fabrication
Our workshops do not only build our own machines. Entrust us with your machined parts and fabricated assemblies, as one-offs or small batches, made to your drawings.
- Machining: turning up to 4 m, CNC milling, wire EDM
- Metal fabrication: plasma cutting, shearing, bending, TIG, MIG and laser welding
- Finishing: glass bead blasting and electrolytic passivation of stainless steel, painting in a large spray booth
It is your project: we run it together, milestone by milestone
Partnership is in our DNA. At each milestone we review progress with you, and nothing moves forward without your approval. We are at your side at every stage, and we remain so once the machine is in production.
- Preliminary studyNeeds analysis, 3D preliminary design, costing
- OrderYour order launches the design work
- DesignMechanical, electrical, automation, robotics
- Design approvalDesign review with you, possible in virtual reality
- Compliance approvalRisk assessment, with an approved inspection body
- Release for manufacturingProcurement and start of parts manufacturing
- ManufacturingMetal fabrication, machining, painting
- Assembly and start-upAssembly, wiring, testing and adjustment in the workshop
- Factory acceptanceYou approve the machine at our premises
- Compliance inspectionFinal check before shipment, with the approved inspection body
- Dismantling, packing, transportFrom our workshops to your site
- InstallationReassembly and connection at your site
- On-site commissioningTesting and adjustment in your production conditions
- Site acceptanceYou approve the machine in production, at your site
- TrainingFor your operators and your maintenance team
- Follow-upRemote maintenance and monitoring
A milestone is a decision we take together: you approve, then we move on. FAT: Factory Acceptance Test, carried out in our workshop. SAT: Site Acceptance Test, carried out at your site.
Real projects, measurable results
Shrimp fritter coating line
Robotic vision picking, weight-based coating, frying.
View the project
Sliding conveyor mat (TMG)
Full truck loading, for more than 24 tonnes.
View the project
Dough rolling and cutting
Cutting and crimping of the baking paper before the dough is rolled.
View the projectWe work for every sector of industry
Each sector has its own constraints, standards and vocabulary. Since 1957, we have designed machines for very different manufacturers; here are the sectors where we work most.
Textiles & technical textiles
Winding, cutting, sewing, inspection of woven and nonwoven fabrics
Food industry
Cured meats, ready meals, biscuits: production and packaging lines
Medical & healthcare
Cleanroom machines, traceability and qualification documentation
Packaging, paper & board
Palletising, case packing, paper and bag converting
Plastics & films
Films, foams, laminates and flexible materials on reels
Printing & marking
Digital printing, cutting and inspection lines
Building & materials
Sheet metal components, insulation, waterproofing: robotic lines and converting machines
Automotive & transport
Tier suppliers and subcontractors: robotic cells and assembly stations
Furniture & household linen
Automated making-up, sewing, cutting and folding
Logistics & handling
Truck loading, conveying, palletising
Energy & environment
Process equipment, recovery, waste reduction
Wood & joinery
Machines for joinery (sanding, bevelling or automated painting on wood)
And also: cable making, metallurgy, research… If your sector is not on the list, it is probably because we have not yet worked together.
Medical sector. Audit trail, recipe management, connection to your ERP, and a complete file for your qualification: HDS, SDS, FAT and SAT tests, input for your IQ / OQ / PQ protocols. Learn more
They trust us
What we are asked most often
What does BERTHOLON build?
Special-purpose machines and automated production lines, designed to measure for a specific industrial need: robotic cells, unwinding and rewinding lines, assembly, packaging or vision inspection machines. We handle design, manufacturing, assembly, commissioning and maintenance.
Which industries do you work for?
Food, medical, textiles, packaging, plastics, printing, building materials, automotive, logistics, energy, wood… Since 1957 we have designed machines for very different manufacturers; each piece of equipment is designed from your specification.
How does a special-purpose machine project unfold?
The project moves forward through milestones approved with you: preliminary study and costing, order, design, design approval (possible in virtual reality), manufacturing, factory acceptance (FAT), installation, commissioning then acceptance at your site (SAT), training and follow-up.
Do you also take on subcontract machining and metal fabrication?
Yes. Our workshops produce machined parts and fabricated assemblies to your drawings, as one-offs or small batches: turning up to 4 m, CNC milling, plasma cutting, bending, TIG, MIG and laser welding, painting. See our subcontracting services
Can you modernise an existing machine or bring it into compliance?
Yes. We rebuild and modernise existing machines (retrofit), and bring them into compliance following a risk assessment, in collaboration with approved bodies. We also handle machine transfer and reinstallation.
Do you provide maintenance after delivery?
Yes. Our technicians work at your site, in our workshops or remotely via VPN or 4G link, to diagnose a failure, monitor the machine or intervene without waiting for a site visit.
Where are you located and how do I request a study?
Our workshops are in Saint-Romain-de-Popey, between Lyon and Tarare, France. The simplest way is to call us on +33 4 74 63 04 31 or describe your project in a few lines: we will get back to you.
A machine or automation project?
Tell us briefly what you need and we will get back to you.