Company History

Since 1994

American International Tooling, Inc. was established in 1994 by Lee Bertucci as an independent seamer tool manufacturer for the canning and beverage industry. AIT began primarily due to the lack of double seaming expertise, tooling availability, extended delivery times, and limited progress in manufacturing technology.

While AIT initially operated as a machine shop, concentrating solely on part manufacturing, we now offer comprehensive services. From planning and analysis through the entire manufacturing and delivery process, we provide our customers with the best seamer tooling solutions in today’s market.

History before starting American International Tooling:

Working in the double seaming process exposed the need for improved quality, timely delivery, and more technical service. While less innovative tooling manufacturers operated with the attitude “why fix something that is not broken,” there was an opportunity to produce a better product. Coming from a background in the computer industry (IBM) where I learned that without change, there’s no growth, the canning industry, with its antiquated processes and technology, opened the door for opportunity.

First five years 1994-1999

The most challenging period for many business owners is the startup years. Raising money, establishing policies, processes, and quality standards, finding quality people, earning a good reputation, marketing your product, managing costs, and making a profit – the tasks were endless. For the first two years, AIT operated with only two employees, meaning we wore many hats. Survival was predominantly on my mind, not future growth or financial well-being.

Business Locations 1994 to 2023

After leasing buildings at two different locations in Carson City, we accumulated enough financial equity to invest in our own building in 2005. We chose Minden, Nevada, as our ideal location. The initial units, A and C, were constructed by a local contractor. Our decision to build our own facility was driven by three factors: investment, growth, and presenting a professional image to our customers. We placed significant emphasis on optimizing the layout of manufacturing processes, workflow, and the quality of equipment to enhance our customer presentation. As the business expanded, we acquired additional units, including Building B, units A and F, and Building A, units F and G. The ongoing goal is to acquire all units at the 2516 address, consolidating the business into one location and eliminating employee separation.

In November 2024 we will celebrate 30 years