Athletic Teams work together in different roles to win a game. Good teamwork comes from members combining their specialized talents to achieve an end goal or resolution. The construction industry is a tough business. Building Professionals who are dedicated to embracing change and make the effort to work in concert with customers will reap the benefits of business success.
The Customer is always right. The Customer is centric to our business. We have all heard these well worn phrases. How do we implement the creation of a great team of people working to their potential? A lack of alignment between employee’s desire to listen to customers and resolve issues is a very real problem for many organizations striving to create a customer oriented culture.
At ASST, we strive to keep the customer focus with the alignment of our mission with our name and slogan.
ASST (pronounced ASisST) keeps that focus in front of all employees.
Going Beyond™ is our work ethic.
Beyond Surface Level Solutions™ is ASsiSTing with challenges others avoid.
Every week, the team has a meeting where a team member describes how he/she was Going Beyond for a customer on a specific project or internally with their team. The intended outcome for these meetings is to build an awareness of other team member’s contributions by “raising the bar” for professional behavior and peak personal performance. ASST also routinely solicits feedback from our customers which can provide a unique window into what our customers think and feel.
Although the above steps can be difficult for any organization to implement, setting the tone for a positive culture of teamwork and great customer service will pay off in the future.
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 look forward to Going Beyond™ to address your exciting project challenges. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
About fifty years ago, DuPont invented a surfacing material called Corian® . In the early years it was primarily marketed as the newest durable material for residential kitchen countertops and then for vanity tops and shower pans. Since then, applications for solid surface have expanded to include vertical surfaces as well. Design Professionals, Manufacturers and Fabricators have pushed for vertical wall cladding solutions to expand solid surface’s use beyond “typical horizontal countertops.”
Building Owners with high traffic corridors had only a few choices for durable wall protection solutions in the early years before solid surface. Design Professionals were limited to recommending materials such as vinyl wallcovering, marble, granite, concrete and plastic laminate. The shortcomings of these materials were many ranging from cracking and delaminating to requiring total replacement when damaged.
It was not until the late 1990’s that vertical solid surface wall cladding started to become popular. ASST and other leading fabricators and manufacturers helped to push applications beyond the horizontal countertop. ASST created SCULPTCOR® Textured Surfaces in the early 2000’s to provide better design solutions for interior as well as exterior cladding. Architects and Interior Designers have helped to continue to push applications. Technological advances in CNC machining and thermoforming have also helped solid surface wall cladding move to more mainstream applications such as airports and other high traffic public spaces. Today, solid surface wall cladding is widely utilized by Design Professionals across a variety of end user markets from K-12 and Collegiate Education to Corporate Space and Healthcare environments.
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 look forward to Going Beyond™ to address your exciting project challenges. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Architects, Designers and General Contractors need solid surface subcontractor resources that are willing to develop the finer technical details of a project. Time spent “upfront” by a qualified subcontractor addressing these issues can contribute to the overall success of a project.
Construction schedules today have become tighter in our innovation and technology focused world. Design Professionals are challenged to find the time necessary to develop project design details. Communication slowdowns from Architect RFIs contribute to schedule delays resulting in headaches for the General Contractor. Focused on the “bigger picture” of running a project, General Contractors are then squeezed to find solutions to keep their projects moving.
ASST is proactive in our approach to providing the necessary design assistance and addressing the details of fabricating. ASST was asked to assist with the development of a large clear resin panel media wall for the Chevy Chase Pavilion. Working closely with Bethesda–based architect Streetsense, ASST arrived at a design solution for a custom bracket and aluminum joint system to connect the resin panels across the face of a media wall. A mock-up was created for the Owner with the LED lighting modules to test the distance required from the face of the resin. This was a critical dimension. Too close or too far and the projected images would be distorted. The Chevy Chase Pavilion project was an amazing success and an example of the kind of collaborative design assistance we perform here at ASST. It is our mission to ASsiST!
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 look forward to Going Beyond™ to address your exciting project challenges. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Bathroom facilities in historic dormitory buildings are typically in need of renovation because of code violations and outdated fixtures. Harvard’s Old Quincy (pictured here) was recently renewed to match today’s standards and needs by the Philadelphia Architectural firm Kieran Timberlake. Renovating to preserve the historic character of a building while providing a higher performance design with more function and storage continues to be popular with Design Professionals on college campuses.
With bathrooms, a moist environment is tricky for creating a functional design. Anything wood will swell and eventually deteriorate. Early dormitory buildings like Old Quincy historically utilized polished marble for bathroom areas which would easily stain and eventually crack and spall. Any type of storage in bathroom areas was also not a priority back in 1930 when Old Quincy was first built.
A solution to this problem is not only utilizing solid surface for the vanity tops and shower areas but also for built-in storage as well. Kieran Timberlake designed the renovations to Quincy Hall and ASST was selected to fabricate the custom white solid surface storage bins in the bathrooms. Used for student toiletry items, holes drilled through the door faces are used as a finger pull. Students will likely find the new bathroom storage and overall improved “Old Quincy” a welcome place to call home on the Crimson campus.
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 look forward to Going Beyond™ to address your exciting project challenges. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Safety 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.
Last 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.
Architects 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.
General 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.
We 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.
Designing restroom spaces that are both attractive and durable is a challenge. Properly designed public restroom facilities can enhance the experience for those who use and maintain their appearance. Restrooms in public spaces must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Studies have shown that proper design and planning reduces both queuing issues and facility vandalism.
Traditional plastic laminate vanity countertops and drop-in china sink bowls provide an opportunity for moisture to destroy a particle board substrate. This creates an optimal environment for bacterial growth. We have all witnessed restroom countertops with laminate surfaces that have swelled from exposure to water.
To address this common problem, ASST developed a wall hung solid surface vanity system. The 30” wide modular units utilize a sturdy aluminum and polyethylene support structure with a removable solid surface front panel. The front panel is removable allowing for easy access to plumbing. The Modular Vanity system™ is available in 30” wide increments and includes a solid surface top, backsplashes, side panels and your choice of an integral mounted sink. The system is available in all solid surface sheet products such as Corian, Avonite and Staron. Without wood that can rot and grow mold, the system is perfectly designed to handle rigorous public restroom environments.
Get a solid surface vanity counter solution that will last for your next project. Call us today for a project specific price quote at 717-630-1251 x305.
