Bernie Liehs has a proven track record working in the brewing and beverage industry and is an expert in packaging, automation, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing. At First Key, Bernie works with clients in the areas of packaging line layout design services, packaging equipment specifications, equipment evaluations, package conversion and detailed concept development and design of custom equipment such as equipment for material handling and packaging including robotic palletizing and case packing systems.

He has led projects including prototype for high speed 6-pack carrier erecting equipment for installation at a major brewing company in Canada and producing several high speed “Box Shops” to support 1,400 bottle per minute filling lines for a major brewery in the USA. He has led major equipment installs in many small and large breweries across North America including Sierra Nevada Brewing, New Belgium Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing.