Quotes are drawn from Ross Hart's written feedback in October 2026 and lightly edited for clarity. This case study was reviewed and approved by Berry's Manufacturing before publication.
The short version
Berry's Manufacturing needed custom software tailored to how it works. It chose Virgo Development because Virgo was the right size: a capable team with built-in backup, not a one-person shop that might disappear, and not a large company trying to force a packaged system on it. The software has helped Berry's consolidate spreadsheets, collect more accurate data, build much more process knowledge that helps cut costs, and improve both its use of labor and its quality.
01 — The challenge
Finding Software That Fits
Berry's Manufacturing has been a family-owned business since 1961. Founded in Fontana, California, the company moved to St. George, Utah around 1992. Like many established manufacturers, it had important information spread across spreadsheets, and it wanted software that would bring that information together, make data collection more accurate and fit the way Berry's actually works.
Manufacturers in that position usually see two options, and Berry's didn't like either one. An independent developer can build something custom, but if that one person moves on, the company is left with software nobody else understands. A large software company brings resources, but often expects the manufacturer to adapt to its existing product.
02 — Why Virgo
Not a One-Man Show, Not a Canned System
Berry's wanted something in between: a team large enough that the work never depends on one person, and focused enough to build exactly what the company needed. That is how Ross Hart, a Senior Manager at Berry's, describes Virgo.
"Virgo is the right size. They're not a one-man show that might disappear, or a big company trying to force its canned system on us."
— Ross Hart, Senior Manager, Berry's Manufacturing
03 — Working together
Tailored to Berry's Needs
Virgo built Berry's software around the company's own requirements rather than adapting an existing product, and continues to support and extend it as those needs change.
"Virgo is great to work with. They respond quickly, and they've made software tailored to our needs."
— Ross Hart, Senior Manager, Berry's Manufacturing
Responsiveness matters in manufacturing. When a request comes in, it goes to the people who know the software, and they get back to Berry's quickly. Just as important, the work gets done.
"Their team is very capable and has never failed to achieve what we asked for."
— Ross Hart, Senior Manager, Berry's Manufacturing
04 — Results
Software That Helps Berry's Improve
Ross describes the impact simply: the software has helped Berry's improve. Specifically, it has:
- Consolidated spreadsheets, with more consolidation still to come
- Made data collection more accurate
- Given Berry's much more process knowledge than it had before, which helps cut costs
- Improved the use of labor and improved quality
"We have much more process knowledge than before, which helps us cut costs."
— Ross Hart, Senior Manager, Berry's Manufacturing
The work isn't finished, and that's by design. Berry's plans to consolidate even more of its spreadsheets, and each improvement builds on the last.
05 — Why it matters
What Other Manufacturers Can Take From This
Every manufacturer's operation is different, and that is exactly why off-the-shelf software so often falls short. Berry's experience points to three practical lessons:
- Start with your operation, not the software. Software should be tailored to how your business works, not the other way around.
- Choose a right-size partner. Look for a team with backup and continuity, and one that will build what you need instead of selling you what it already has.
- Expect the software to grow with you. The best results come from a partner that keeps responding, refining and extending the system over time.
06 — Common questions
Quick Answers
What did Virgo Development do for Berry's Manufacturing?
Virgo Development built custom software tailored to Berry's Manufacturing's needs and provides ongoing support and enhancements. Berry's, a three-generation manufacturer in St. George, Utah, says the software has helped it consolidate spreadsheets, collect more accurate data, gain more process knowledge that helps cut costs, and improve its use of labor and its quality.
Why did Berry's Manufacturing choose Virgo Development?
Berry's wanted a partner that was the right size: not a one-person developer who might disappear, and not a large company trying to force a canned system on it. Berry's describes Virgo as great to work with, quick to respond, and very capable.
What results has Berry's Manufacturing seen from its custom software?
Berry's reports consolidated spreadsheets, more accurate data collection, much more process knowledge that helps cut costs, better use of labor and improved quality.
What should a manufacturer look for in a custom software developer?
Look for a partner that tailors software to your operation rather than forcing a packaged system, responds quickly, and is large enough to provide continuity if any one person leaves. A team-based developer reduces the risk of depending on a single programmer.
Does Virgo Development build custom software for other manufacturers?
Yes. Virgo Development is a custom software development company in St. George, Utah that builds tailored software, system integrations and ongoing enhancements for manufacturers and other businesses.
Virgo is great to work with. They respond quickly, and they've made software tailored to our needs.
Let's talk about your operation
Learn more about Berry's Manufacturing at berrysmfg.com.
Looking for software that fits the way your business works? Book a Discovery Call with me and the team. We'll start with your operation, not our software.
Jamie Lords ↗ LinkedIn is CEO of Virgo Development, a custom software engineering firm in St. George, Utah, and teaches Business and Marketing at Southern New Hampshire University. This case study is part of an ongoing series documenting real Virgo Development client partnerships. Quotes are drawn from Ross Hart's written feedback in October 2026 and lightly edited for clarity.