Comments Off on Recent Completed Division 6 & 12 Projects
COVID-19 made 2020 an extremely difficult year for everyone and especially commercial construction. Because of the perseverance of our teams, ASST was able to make 2020 a successful year. Because of sites being closed down, material shortages, travel restrictions and more our backlog has been a moving target. Our project teams have been able to jockey our projects around like trailers at an Amazon distribution center. Thank you to our trade partners, distributors and our vendors for being a part of this success during a difficult time. This short video displays a few of our recent and unique projects.
At ASST, one of our Core Values is PERSEVERANCE: Willing to keep working until we succeed. ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your casework, millwork, solid surface and quartz projects. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. We look forward to Going Beyond for your exciting project!
Comments Off on Successful Large Division 6 and Division 12 Projects
Do you have a reliable trade partner that you can call on for large Division 6 and Division 12 packages? Large projects require trade partners who have the experience managing scope that can be chaotic at times.
There are many subcontractors who do not possess the wherewithal to handle the capacity and changes of large projects. So many subcontractors are willing to bite off more than they can chew and, in doing so, place projects at risk.
At ASST (ə-ˈsist), we have been managing large Division 6 and Division12 projects for 22 years. Our Project Mangers understand that being flexible and managing change is part of the job. Our fabrication facilities are designed to maximize quality and throughput. All of our fabricators and installers have mobile devices that are tied to our ERP and we QR code track all work orders. We can bond at $40M/project and $100M aggregate. At ASST, we have the scope of mind to bring large millwork, casework, solid surface and quartz projects to successful completion, on time, in budget and safely.
At ASST, we have been fabricating healthcare solid surfaces for 22 years. We have a solid surface fabrication facility in McSherrystown, PA and a quartz fabrication facility in Corry, PA. Whatever your needs, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect.
Comments Off on Commercial Construction Cost ~The Cost of Saving Lives and Providing Hope
Most patients will never know the process to construct a building that is providing hope and a healing space. Patients do not know that before building starts there are government requirements that the health system must show a need for a new hospital. Most patients do not know that the construction of a large new hospital will include as many as three or four General Contractors, as many as 10 or 20 subcontractors and subcontractors to those subcontractors. All the patient knows is that they are there for healing and hope.
The average cost of new hospital construction, which is four to eight stories, in the United States is closing in on $300 per square foot and takes as long as three years to complete. This means that a 600,000 square foot hospital is going to start at $180,000,000.00. Some new hospitals being constructed are exceeding the million square foot mark and some are exceeding $1 Billion dollars to construct. What can you get for a Billion dollars? You could buy the White House twice; you could buy two Airbus A380s (with change for fuel); you could even buy a couple large islands including staff and housing. Health care companies that are spending this kind of money for a new hospital want to make sure that their new hospital is a beacon of hope for the community like a lighthouse guiding a ship to shore during a storm. They want to make sure that mothers want their children to be born there. They want to make sure that when a family member is diagnosed with a serious illness, their health system is the light that will provide hope and healing.
At ASST, we have been providing Division 6 and Division 12 millwork, casework, solid surfaces and quartz for large healthcare projects for 22 years. We understand that to become a beacon of hope for an entire community, the healing space must be innovative and constructed with the highest standards. We have the experience to provide project scope on time, in budget and we do it safely. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards, you expect.We look forward to Going Beyond for your exciting project! Contact us today at info@asst.com or visit our website at www.asst.com.
Comments Off on Division 6 Custom Installation at JFK Airport
Installation of commercial construction projects is a tightrope act juggling logistics, dynamic schedules, site conditions and more.
At ASST, we have experienced Project Managers that understand what it means to successfully complete our projects on time. Our Project Managers always follow our process from contract agreement to completed installation. From large Divisions 6/12 new construction projects to medium renovation projects, our teams are always willing to Go Beyond for our customers.
At ASST, we have the capability to relieve the stress of managing surfaces, millwork and casework fabrication and installation. By adding Quartz surfaces to our line of services, we have become the nation’s premier fabricator of commercial surface products. Steve Stoddard is heading up our Quartz division. Steve has an award-winning resume of commercial surface experience and is the keystone of our Quartz foundation. ASST is your full package fabricator for Division 6 and Division 12 Healthcare, Education, Corporate/Public Space and Retail surfaces.Contact us today at info@asst.com or visit our website at www.asst.com.
Comments Off on ASST Solid Surface Modular Vanity System™ is ADA Compliant
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 bacterial growth, queuing issues, and facility vandalism.
Traditional plastic laminate vanity countertops and drop-in sink bowls provide an opportunity for moisture to destroy a particleboard 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. Without wood that can rot and grow mold, the system is perfectly designed to handle rigorous public restroom environments.
At ASST, we have been fabricating solid surfaces for 22 years. We have a solid surface fabrication facility in McSherrystown, PA, and a quartz fabrication facility in Corry, PA. Whatever your needs, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner, and to the finest quality standards, you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251. WWW.ASST.COM
Comments Off on The New Normal of Commercial Construction: Do You Know Where Your Trade Partner Is?
Is your Division 6 and Division 12 millwork, casework, solid surfaces and quartz trade partner ready for the new normal of commercial construction?
When commercial construction projects resume normal operations, some of your trade partners may not be ready for the new normal of the expectations of social distancing. Some of your trade partners may not even have made it through these difficult times. Do you know that your millwork, casework, solid surface and quartz trade partner will be ready when the flood gates open up? Is your Division 6 and Division 12 trade partner even still in business?
At ASST (ə-ˈsist), we expect that there will be a fast upswing in commercial project schedules as states are opened up to resume the new normal of commercial construction business operations. Because we are an essential business, we have already made the changes necessary to distance our employees and have even found a way to increase capacity while doing so. The safety of our employees and our customers is paramount in all the decisions we make. We are now looking at ways to monitor our social distancing practices within our ERP and our mobile devices. At ASST, we don’t forget the past and we are always looking to the future.
We are here to assist you with immediate, near future and distant future projects. ASST has been safely providing exceptional Division 6/12 millwork, casework, solid surfaces and quartz for 22 years.We have a solid surface fabrication facility in McSherrystown, PA and a quartz fabrication facility in Corry, PA. Whatever your needs, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online, email us (info@asst.com) or call us at 717-630-1251. WWW.ASST.COM
Comments Off on SCULPTCOR ® Surfaces: Solid Surface Has Been Vertically Challenged for Too Long
Durability and beauty are unlikely partners. It is rare when both are exclusive specifying vertical surfaces. Even rarer still is the challenge for design professionals to use solid surface textures in a variety of vertical applications. From operating rooms to airports, finding unique surfacing solutions is difficult. Many of these wall finishes are designed for residential use only and will not perform well in commercial spaces. With solid surface the design opportunities are endless.
Public spaces demand durable surfaces. High performance surfaces should not be plain or unattractive. They should perform beautifully. Many vertical surfacing solutions in the marketplace today are focused only on aesthetics. Performance is usually an afterthought. Few surfacing products today combine both aesthetics and durability in one vertical solution. Solid surface can be thermoformed with textured patterns and CNC machined to size. Painted MDF or molded plaster cannot offer the same value.
In response, ASST created SCULPTCOR ® textured wall surfaces to provide an attractive durable solution unlike anything on the market today. Manufactured with 100% solid surface acrylic, Sculptcor ® is resistant to bacteria and is made to last.ASST’s proprietary mounting system allows for field adjustment and individual panel removal for maintenance. It is ASST’s legacy to continue supporting design professionals with project challenges other fabricators avoid. Be sure to contact us with your next solid surface project!
Comments Off on Commercial Construction Technology: Keeping Up With The Joneses
People have been constructing high-rise buildings for centuries. In the 16th century, mud brick buildings reached 30 meters in Shibam, Yemen. What technology enabled this amazing feat? Early high-rise buildings took years and even decades to complete. Today the average high-rise building (taller than 150 meters) takes approximately 3 years to complete. This is extraordinary considering what goes into constructing a building that is 45 stories tall and the commercial construction industry continues to pick up momentum. Timelines are so compressed, it seems that as soon as the thought has entered the owner’s mind, the building is occupied and the next project is beginning. One of the primary influences abbreviating the commercial construction timeline is technology.
Consider this scenario. Your IT department has devised a brilliant plan (or lack thereof) taking your business to the next level with Augmented Reality. “We will be on the leading edge of technology and this will identify us as the leader in commercial construction” they say.No one in your IT department has given any thought as to how it will help your business help your customers and in turn making your business more profitable. Everyone is walking around with VR headsets on, no one knows how to use this or why they are using it, the IT department does nothing but play video games and Michael from Accounting just fell down the stairs. So now you have invested an extensive amount of money, the IT guys are ordering Mountain Dew by the truck load and your experience modification rating (EMR or safety) is virtually off the charts. This is not a good method for embracing new technology in commercial construction. However, if you are an architectural firm that specializes in high-rise buildings, giving the owner a “virtual tour” of their new building can reduce their cost in many ways.
So now you know how you can help your customer with technology but will this make your business more profitable? Research, plan, research and plan. Questions need to be asked and answers need to be produced. Do your customers want this technology? Will this technology bring in more customers? How will you pay for this technology? How long before you will need to replace this technology? Who in the company will be using this technology? How much training is necessary? How will this enable you to bill more? Etcetera. Set goals. Everyone should understand that you are looking to deploy this technology for specific reasons (IE: assist your customer, be more profitable) and those reasons should be outlined. If you come to the realization that you cannot reach your goal with this solution, you can stop and reevaluate. Once you have answered these questions and set your goals, you can start testing. You should always test with a small group. As depicted earlier, starting off by just purchasing Augmented Reality for everyone in the company will probably not work. Get feedback. Ask the people using the technology what they think about this new technology. Getting buy-in from your end users will minimize resistance of the change using this new technology. Once your users are masters and proponents of the new technology, deploy in small doses. Get feedback from your customers and make changes as necessary.
This is not an exact play book for deploying new technology in commercial construction. The point is that just because the technology is available does not mean that it will improve your business. So, when your IT department tells you about the new fleet of drones that will be deployed at the next holiday party, give them some pause. Ask yourself, how will this help your customers and how will this make your company more profitable?
At ASST, we know that commercial construction technology is like the spice in cooking. The right amount at the right time will bring everyone to the table. ASST continuously evaluates the need for new technology and how we can better assist our customers. Let us assist you with your next commercial Casework, Millwork, Solid Surface and Quartz project. Contact us today at info@asst.com.
Comments Off on Extreme Solid Surface Thermoforming
Forming solid surface into complex
geometric forms is still a relatively new topic to many design professionals. With advancing computer technologies, the future looks
bright for those looking to push the boundaries of design with solid surface
materials.
Although thermoforming has existed for
years, advanced technologies to assist with fabrication have not. 5-axis CNC
machining is an essential tool used in creating the molds necessary for
thermoforming. Many fabrication businesses are focused on flat solid
surface countertops and/or quartz. They may only have a small oven or vacuum
table to form simple curves. The equipment costs and learning curve for
thermoforming are out of reach for many of these fabrication businesses.
To address this issue, we
focused our business from the beginning around thermoforming. ASST created a truly “niche” business, catering to advanced
projects requiring fabrication solutions for commercial construction. ASST
invested heavily in the necessary equipment and training required for
thermoforming. ASST’s headquarters includes both offices and fabrication
facilities, as well as a large thermoforming workshop. The workshop
features three thermoforming ovens and two vacuum tables, as well as a 360-ton
proprietary press and a vacuum press related to patented ASST technologies. It
also has three CNC machines: one 5-axis CNC machine and two 3-axis CNC machines
which allows us to reintroduce thermoformed parts to the 5-axis for final size
machining. For cutting parts, ASST also has a Schelling panel saw. The shop is
set up into typical “line work” areas for more common flat countertop fabrication
work and has various open workshop areas for custom projects. Custom projects
that frequently feature thermoformed solid surface parts. It is ASST’s
legacy to continue assisting design professionals with thermoforming project
challenges other fabricators avoid.
ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. Our EMR safety rating is outstanding at .793! We look forward to Going Beyond to address your exciting project challenges. Contact us today at 717-630-121 or visit our website at www.asst.com
Comments Off on Building Blocks – Modular Millwork For Commercial Construction
Reading Hospital
When it comes to priorities in construction projects, budget and schedule are always at the top of the list. With the current demand for skilled construction workers, the topics of modular construction and prefabrication are becoming more relevant. Building repetitive assemblies for a structure at an off-site location and delivering them to the project site are entering more and more conversations as companies look to increase efficiency.
Timelines for construction projects are being compressed to seemingly impossible constraints. What is the best way to reduce the amount of time fabricating and installing? If the overall floor plan doesn’t allow for solid surface modular units, are there parts of your facility that could be constructed off-site to remove variables?
Buildings like hospitals, educational facilities, hotels and residence halls can provide consistent room layouts that lend themselves to a modular approach. Repetition is the best way to become better and more efficient at something. Solid surfaces are perfect for construction assembly line processes. By doing this, we can reduce waste, construction timelines and overall cost. A prefabrication strategy allows for the practice of lean concepts while delivering a successful project. Project team members should strategize to determine if similar services could be stacked and consider areas that lend themselves to repetition.
It’s never too soon to think about modular fabrication options and ASST has done this on various projects. Discussions should start when the project is in the beginning stages so they’re incorporated into the design approach.
If you need adaptability into your next millwork project, let ASST help you. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Most patients will never know the process to construct a building that is providing hope and a healing space. Patients do not know that before building starts there are government requirements that the health system must show a need for a new hospital. Most patients do not know that the construction of a large new hospital will include as many as three or four General Contractors, as many as 10 or 20 subcontractors and subcontractors to those subcontractors. All the patient knows is that they are there for healing and hope.
