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Month: October 2017

Solid Surface Reception Desk at World Trade Center - NYCSafety on the job affects everyone, from the smaller subcontractor to the General Contractor in charge. According to OSHA, nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the United States on any given day. General Contractors need subcontractors who take safety seriously and actively promote accident prevention through accredited in-house OSHA safety training.

Injury rates, for the construction industry, continue to climb higher than the national average in this category for all industries. The causes of death in construction were: falls, struck by object, caught-in/between, and electrocution. These “Fatal Four” were responsible for nearly three out of five (59%) worker deaths. To address this problem Insurance companies increased their rates to cover this added risk. Businesses can be fined, sued or banned from operating. If a serious enough infraction occurs, the accident could halt progress on the site which could lead to loss of the contract or worse.

At ASST we believe in taking a proactive educational approach when it comes to safety. We have found that holding monthly safety meetings, led by our OSHA certified Safety Manager, is one of the best ways to reinforce safety compliance. Training is also offered for forklift certifications, machine operational procedures such as “Lockout/Tag-out”, and those employees requiring any other additional certifications for specific projects. A wide variety of additional Instructional safety videos are available 24/7 on ASST’s YouTube channel for viewing by employees via their phone or tablet devices. The risks to construction worker health requires safety planning to help minimize, address and hopefully prevent construction related accidents before they occur.

ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications you require in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. We are Going Beyond to address your exciting project challenges. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.


5-Axis CNC logo pattern with LED backlightsLast week we touched on how Architects and Designers are creating innovative forms to satisfy the branding requirements of their Clients. Design Professionals are increasingly integrating client brand identities with dramatically backlighted translucent solid surface. LED lighting is leading the way with these amazing innovations as fixtures get smaller, more efficient and more precise.

Machining intricate logo patterns can create complex problems. Fabricating solid surface in a cost effective manner is the primary goal, however exorbitant labor costs can result from utilizing inefficient power hand tools. Maintaining a high standard of quality when duplicating multiple parts by hand can be difficult. Creating a “wash of light” with vertically installed translucent solid surface is also a challenge with older lighting technologies such as halogen and fluorescent.

ASST has addressed these problems by harnessing both our in-house CNC machining capabilities as well as our research to identify the most innovative LED lighting products in the marketplace. LED lighting is by far the best way of creating an even wash of backlight without hotspots. LED lighting advancements offer the benefit of energy efficiency, reduced heat and overall maintenance costs. We even address the practical issues of maintenance providing hidden panels for convenient lighting access. 5-Axis CNC machining technologies will no doubt continue to indirectly impact LED lighting and we will be there to ASsiST you with your projects every step of the way!

ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications you require and the finest quality standards you expect. We look forward to Going Beyond™ to address your exciting project challenges. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.


Thermoformed reception deskArchitects and Designers are continuing to create innovative geometric forms to satisfy their Client’s branding requirements. While companies today have a need to project an image of innovation and quality, this creates the problem of how to fabricate molds in a quick and cost effective manner. Curved solid surface cladding requires molds to form the heated solid surface to the geometry specified on the architectural drawings.

Creating wooden molds by carving them with power hand tools was initially the way it was done. The problem was how to reduce the exorbitant labor costs for creating these molds by hand. Also, using solid hardwood is expensive and was required depending upon the mold design.

With ASST’s 5-Axis CNC, we have addressed these problems. Labor costs have been reduced for the customer and new innovative sustainable molding materials can be utilized with this technology. We are also constantly looking for the next generation of materials to create our molds for better durability and machining accuracy.

We have found that the only limits to 5-Axis CNC capability is the designer’s imagination and CNC Engineer’s abilities. The evolution of 5-Axis CNC machining will eventually usher us into a world of instantaneous object creation further expanding the boundaries of innovative designs with solid surface. ASST looks forward to the challenges and opportunities this will present!

ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications you require and the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.


BarringsGeneral Contractors want nothing less than subcontractors that are on time, organized and ready to mobilize on-site when scheduled. Building a large piece of solid surface millwork is one thing. Delivering and installing it correctly to an Owner’s satisfaction is another. Subcontractors need to demonstrate their dedication to performing their jobs with an attention to detail that ensures a successful solid surface millwork installation.

Many General Contractors can tell “horror” stories of poor installations or uncoordinated work that could not even fit in the elevator. Problems like this over time can damage reputations and contribute to a loss of business opportunity and profit.

To address this serious issue, ASST takes the organization and management of its projects seriously. ASST’s Critical Operating Tasks for scheduling is one of the key benefits of working with us. From the beginning, your project is organized into 21 Event Steps from initial pricing to final onsite installation. The details of your project are properly planned and field verified with shop drawings prepared for approval prior to fabrication. Items for large millwork pieces are labeled and coded with field seaming joints and/or match lines indicated for the onsite installer. These are just some of things we do to get a overhead view of your whole project. The sum of a projects parts are important and you have to be able to assemble them correctly!

ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications you require and the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.


Casework SolutionsWe know that maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace with superior low risk subcontractors is of paramount importance to General Contractors. Since 1998, ASST has been providing casework solutions in a variety of materials. With an excellent risk assessment and value, ASST brings to the table proven experience in healthcare, education, corporate and retail projects.

Today, General Contractors need a reliable single subcontractor source. A source combining Construction Specification Institute (CSI) scopes that drive efficiency and build Owner value. Experienced Project Managers need to coordinate the trades to eliminate unnecessary mobilizations, prevent scheduling conflicts, and avoid gaps and overlaps in each trade contractors’ scope of work. Having numerous subcontractors in similar overlapping trades is a sure “recipe for disaster” contributing to both project scope confusion and costly change orders.

To address this critical management issue, ASST has found value in providing a more proactive comprehensive solution. A “one-stop” casework/millwork custom solution incorporating a wide variety of finish materials. ASST can perform work with wood veneers, plastic laminate, Trespa®, stone, metal, glass as well as all brands of solid surface and resin plastic materials. We believe the fit and finish of the final product is enhanced when building the internal framing structures ourselves. Our innovative team of estimators, planners and project managers collaborate and deliver project results in a way few competitors can.

Contact us today to see how we can ASsiST you with a comprehensive casework solution for your next project.