Pittsfield, MA – December 15, 2025 – Lenco Armored Vehicles, the leading manufacturer of armored vehicles for law enforcement, fire and rescue, and government agencies worldwide, today announced a $5 million investment in new machinery and facility improvements at its Pittsfield, Massachusetts headquarters.
The investment includes the installation of a state-of-the-art fiber laser CNC machine and two precision press brakes. The new equipment leverages the latest cutting, forming, and bending technology, significantly increasing Lenco’s production output while enabling the creation of more complex and sophisticated vehicle components.
“Lenco’s mission has always been to provide the highest quality armored vehicles to agencies that depend on us,” said Lenny Light, Executive Vice President, Lenco Armored Vehicles. “This investment reflects our commitment to innovation, improved production efficiency, and ensuring that BearCats are delivered to customers as quickly as possible.”
Expanding Production Capacity and Capabilities
Over a 12-month evaluation period, Lenco’s engineering and business teams conducted time studies comparing laser cutting technology to existing equipment. The results demonstrated a 300% increase in cutting speed and a 40% improvement in part assembly and fabrication times. Based on these findings, Lenco projects a 20–30% increase in overall production capacity once the new equipment is fully integrated into its manufacturing process.
The fiber laser also allows Lenco to conduct rapid prototyping and bring certain component production in-house that previously required suppliers. This expanded capability supports redesigns of legacy parts to improve usability and opens opportunities to integrate new technologies into future BearCat vehicles.
“For more than 20 years, the BearCat has been the trusted standard for tactical response vehicles in the U.S.,” added Light. “The law enforcement community relies on us to deliver quickly, and these upgrades allow us to shorten lead times while raising the bar for design sophistication and build quality.”
Economic and Community Impact
The investment has already created approximately five new positions across engineering, production, and facilities to program, operate, and support the new equipment. Beyond direct job creation, the fiber laser purchased is one of the largest machines of its type in the country, adding unique advanced manufacturing capabilities to western Massachusetts.
With support from local partners such as the Berkshire Innovation Center and Mass Tech, Lenco’s investment contributes to the region’s growth in advanced manufacturing while strengthening the company’s role as one of Berkshire County’s leading manufacturers.
Facility Improvements and Long-Term Strategy
While Lenco’s fabrication department will see the most direct impact from these upgrades, downstream processes such as coatings and mechanical assembly will also benefit. The increase in consistency of cut and formed parts improves fit-up and assembly as each vehicle moves through production.
This latest project follows a history of reinvestment in Lenco’s Pittsfield facility. In 2018, the company doubled its manufacturing space by purchasing an adjacent building and installing new equipment. The addition of the fiber laser and precision press brakes represents a significant step forward in engineering and fabrication capabilities, further reinforcing Lenco’s reputation for quality, innovation, and protection.
The project began in September 2024 and was completed in December 2025. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held upon completion, with community partners, industry stakeholders, and members of the press invited to attend.
About Lenco Armored Vehicles
Lenco Armored Vehicles is the nation’s leading designer and builder of tactical armored response and rescue vehicles. Since 1981, Lenco has produced nearly 7,000 vehicles in service with military and law enforcement agencies in all 50 states and more than 40 countries worldwide. Lenco’s BearCat® and MedCat® armored vehicle lines are trusted every day to protect and save lives during the most dangerous situations. Lenco Armored Vehicles is a privately held, family-owned, and -operated business in Pittsfield, MA.
For more information, visit www.LencoArmor.com.