SHADING PRODUCTS

HISTORY

Great businesses have great beginnings, and ours is no exception. Our family has owned and operated Berges Trenton Awning for over nine decades. Below is a brief history on how we have become a part of the local South Jersey fabric.

In 1927, George Berges’ son, Louis Berges, was looking to establish a new business. Living out his American dream, Louis decided what better place to secure the future for his family than to move to “America’s Playground”, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Drawing from his own abilities and his wife’s seamstress skills, Louis founded an awning company. Paying homage to his first home in the US, he named the new venture “Berges Trenton Awning”. Right at the start, his wife, Mary, set the bar high and coined our famous motto:

“AWNINGS JUST A SHADE BETTER”

The very first shop was on Missouri Avenue, which later moved to Melrose, and finally made its permanent Atlantic City home in the inlet on Massachusetts Avenue. Beginning in the early 1930s, we were the premier awning shop on the island and made awnings up and down the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk showcasing many of the landmark buildings of the day. Continuing with the custom nature and quality product that had been set forth by Louis, his oldest son, Ronald Berges, joined the business in the 1940s. Together, father & son made their awnings better than ever. Bringing their product to even more customers, the business continued to grow.

In 1957, a third generation of awning men was born, Richard Berges. When Richard began working at Massachusetts Avenue in 1975 the future of BTA was firmly entrenched. However, his contributions brought BTA to a crossroads. With the need for more room to produce and house awnings and the imminent pressure of new casinos and big business looming over the Atlantic City shop, it was time we moved once again. After a short search, we jumped off the island and moved inland to Pleasantville. We converted Southern Dry Cleaners into our best shop to date. We built sewing machine tables, cutting tables, and production rooms and were back in business within no time.

The 1980’s were some of our strongest years to date. Our customer base grew as we took on more residential work and we were firmly established among the best in the South Jersey custom awning business.

In 1985, the fourth generation entered the world, Nathan Berges. For as long as I can remember, I spent every free day, and all my summer breaks by my dad’s side.

By 2004 I was working fulltime and proudly celebrated our 80th Anniversary along with my father, and my grandfather still minding the shop. Never resting on our laurels, we continue to search for new products and push our awnings further so we can provide you, the customer, with only the best.

Our greatest expansion to date occurred in 2021 when we moved into our newest location in Somers Point. We purchased an existing building, and two storage units, but in true Berges fashion we renovated every square inch of the property into a multi building awning manufacturing shop that will last for many decades ahead.

Coming from the humble beginnings of a young American, we have watched Berges Trenton Awning turn into a multi-faceted business and have a continued strong foothold for a bright future. We look forward to celebrating 100 years in business with many more to come.

Be sure to have a look at our nostalgic photo gallery (see link below) showing images from our early history up until today.