ATAS International, Inc. is 50 years old, and the anniversary is being celebrated throughout 2013. A third-generation, family-owned business that went from a siding and trim company in an immigrant’s basement to an industry leading metal manufacturer with locations throughout the United States.
ATAS was founded in 1963 by Jacobus “Jack” P. Bus in his home’s basement in Rochester, N.Y. His wife, Nel, and their eight children-Marian, Dick, Gerard, Josie, Jim, Angela, Alex and Lisa-were all part of the manufacturing and installation team. “Everyone was excepted to work,” Nel explained. “We were a family, and we all had jobs to do.”
The journey to become business owners started when Jack and Nel moved to Canada from the Netherlands in the 1950s. The hardworking and quick-witted duo saw a business opportunity while Bus was installing siding and trim, often crossing the border to do so in Rochester. He noticed contractors hated bending their own products, so he had the idea to do it for them. This business was well received, and the company has seen tremendous growth over the years.
Bus first moved his company and its original equipment from the basement into a 12,000-square-foot facility in Rochester, and when they needed more space-and a better location to allow for a larger distribution radius-the company moved to Allentown, Pa. With sons Dick and Jim at his side in management roles, the Bus family saw opportunities in various markets by creating ingenious products. This, combined with their focus on quality, customer service and family, has made ATAS an industry leader.
Today, ATAS has two locations in Allentown, as well as facilities in Mesa, Ariz., and Maryville, Tenn. Brightsmith Coil Coaters, Morrisville, Pa., is a sister company of ATAS that was acquired in 2008. Product categories include metal roofing, wall and ceiling panels for commercial and residential buildings, as well as accessories, trim and moulding. ATAS operations have been certified to the ISO 9001:2008 with design International Quality System Standard in all locations. This certification assists ATAS with maintaining industry leadership; utilizing a customer focus and quality improvements that are consistent with continued growth, enhanced customer service and employee satisfaction; and harnessing growth responsibility.
ATAS first marked its anniversary with staff members at a winter party in January. In May, Customer Appreciation Day brought on more celebrations to honor customers who are central to the ATAS success. ATAS will continue to celebrate the milestone all year, including at METALCON International in Atlanta during October.
