In Memoriam: Barney Berlinger (1937–2025)

Founder of ASI Technologies, Industry Leader, and AGMA Past Chairman

The gear and motion control industry mourns the passing of Barney Berlinger, founder of ASI Technologies and longtime contributor to the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). A respected engineer, entrepreneur, and leader, Barney’s impact on the industry spanned decades and will not be forgotten.

Barney earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also excelled as a student-athlete. He set a then-school record in the pole vault and was named first-team All-Ivy League in football in both 1958 and 1959. In his senior year, he captained Penn’s first Ivy League championship football team — an early indication of the leadership and tenacity that would define his professional life.

After beginning his career at Quaker City Gear Works, his family’s gear manufacturing business, Barney went on to found ASI Technologies in 1985. Under his leadership, ASI became a trusted provider of engineered drive solutions, particularly for battery-powered applications. Barney led ASI until his retirement in 2020, guiding the company through decades of innovation and growth.

Barney was also a dedicated advocate for the gear industry. He served on the AGMA Board of Directors from 1983 to 1984 and as Chairman of the Board in 1986. His commitment to advancing the industry and mentoring future leaders earned him wide respect among peers and colleagues.

Barney’s legacy lives on through the company he built, the people he mentored, and the standards of excellence he championed. He will be remembered as a passionate contributor to our field and a builder in every sense of the word.