ATAS celebrates 60th Anniversary

Family owned, industry leading manufacturer celebrates their 60th year of business this year.

ATAS International, Inc. a family-owned business that went from a siding and trim installer to an industry leading manufacturer of metal panels for the building envelope, with locations across the United States, celebrates their 60th year of business in 2023. Aluminum Trim And Shapes was founded in 1963 by Jacobus “Jack” P. Bus in his home’s basement in Rochester, New York where he and wife, Nel and children resided. The journey to become business owners started when Jack and Nel moved from the Netherlands in the 1950s. The hardworking duo saw a business opportunity while Jack was installing siding and trim in Rochester. Prior to the advent of portable forming equipment, he noticed contractors did not have the ability to bend their own products on site. Jack then had the idea to do it for them and provided bent trim and other products to the contractors for their projects. This business was well received, and the company has seen tremendous growth over the years.

Since those humble beginnings, the company has expanded many times. In 1985, ATAS moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania which was a better location to allow for a larger distribution radius. Eventually, Jack and Nel’s sons, Dick and Jim Bus, took over the business as president and executive vice president. The third generation has assumed management roles: At ATAS, Mark Bus is national sales manager and Eric Bus is operations manager. At BRIGHTSMITH Coaters, Tiffany Hutcheson is general manager and Tony Bus is operations manager.  

From the beginning, the Bus family saw opportunities in various markets by creating a large variety of innovative products. This, combined with the focus on quality, customer service and family, has made ATAS an industry leader. As new products and profiles are introduced every year, the entire ATAS team remains the central element in the company’s success.  

Today, ATAS has two locations in Allentown, as well as facilities in Mesa, Arizona, and University Park, Illinois. BRIGHTSMITH Coaters, a sister company of ATAS, acquired their coil coating facility in Morrisville, Pennsylvania in 2008 and their post-painting facility in Trenton, New Jersey in 2016. By adding coil coating and post-painting capabilities, it results in better quality control for ATAS products throughout the entire process; from receipt of and painting raw material, transporting that material to the various ATAS production facilities, through fabrication of panels and trims.

Many investments have been made to grow, improve and become more energy efficient over the years. Those include the acquisition of additional locations, purchasing of new state-of-the-art equipment, creation of new products, training of personnel and installation of rooftop solar arrays and solar air heating wall panels on several of the buildings. Recent renovations to ATAS’ headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania will now greet their many visitors and those who use their training facilities with a modernized look. The refreshed website was recently launched, and literature has also been updated, both offering easier to use formats for customers. The new trade show booth was introduced at METALCON in Las Vegas last month, displaying a portion of the vast ATAS product offering.
As ATAS approaches the end of their 60th year, it is clear that the Bus family and employees have a love and dedication to the metal construction industry and will continue to be a leader in innovative and sustainable metal construction solutions. This family business, with strong roots, devoted employees and dedication to the industry, looks forward to the next 60 years.

About ATAS International, Inc.

Founded in 1963, ATAS International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, perimeter edge metal and accessories. The ATAS portfolio features an expansive selection of products available in aluminum, steel, zinc, stainless steel and copper. Standard profiles include narrow and wide ribbed wall panels, corrugated styles, standing seam and batten seam roof systems, metal shingles, shakes, tiles and more. Additional options include curved, tapered, and perforated panels; concealed or exposed fasteners; smooth or embossed textures; horizontal and vertical applications; and a choice of over 40 stock colors with 70% PVDF finish.

With sustainability at the forefront of modern building design, ATAS proudly supports green building objectives with high performance solutions, such as solar-ready roof panels, insulated metal panels, cool roofing products and solar air heating wall panels. The ATAS team consists of product and market specialists that provide a high level of support for your project, from initial discovery and design to installation. ATAS has two ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing locations in the United States: the headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and their facility in Mesa, Arizona.  ATAS also has a second location in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and recently added a new manufacturing location in University Park, Illinois.  For more information about ATAS International, please visit www.atas.com or call 610.395.8445. For more information on InSpire, visit www.inspirewall.com.