The Berkshires’ Most Badass Manufacturer: Lenco

Most people driving through Pittsfield have no idea that one of the country's most impressive manufacturing operations is happening right here in the Berkshires. Lenco Armored Vehicles builds hand-assembled armored rescue vehicles that can withstand high-caliber rounds and operate in war zones around the world. We're talking about those big Bearcats that pop up in Michael Bay movies, with the mud flap that says "LENCO".

And they just made a $5 million investment that includes the largest fiber laser machine in the United States.

The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week to show off its new equipment. The laser is massive, 30 inches by 80 inches, and it's the largest model that German manufacturer Trumpf makes.

"We also now own the largest fiber laser in the United States," said Lenny Light, Lenco's executive vice president. "It's the only one of its kind in the Northeast."
The new laser cuts armor steel at over 200 inches per minute, compared to the old machine's 70 inches per minute. That translates to a 300 percent boost in cutting speed and a 40 percent improvement in fabrication time. -berkshireeagle.com

The upgrades will increase Lenco's overall production capacity by 20 to 30 percent.
"We're busier than we've ever been," said Len Light, president and CEO. "And with the changes we're making in production with this new equipment, we'll be able to meet this increasing demand."

Lenco is the largest commercial armored rescue vehicle manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1981 with just three employees, the company has grown to nearly 150 employees and 170,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Since its founding, Lenco has produced over 7,000 vehicles operating in all 50 states and more than 50 countries.

Every vehicle is hand-assembled in Pittsfield to withstand bullets, bombs, and extreme conditions. While other manufacturers have left the region, Lenco is doubling down on the Berkshires—building bigger, faster, and more advanced vehicles for customers around the globe.