Latest News

ABS Receives Gold Level Status in Safety from ABC
August 2009

The Keystone Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) has awarded Advanced Building Systems, Inc. the Gold Level Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) award. Many ABC members go the extra mile to ensure the safety of their own workers by employing aggressive job safety and health programs.

The annual Safety Awards is a celebration of those companies and their successes. The anchor of the ABC program is a national model called S.T.E.P. (Safety Training & Evaluation Process), the only such program in the country that provides companies a structured approach to benchmark and improve their safety efforts.

Advanced Building Systems, Inc. is proud of its Safety program and is honored to receive such validation of our efforts for our employees, subcontractors, suppliers and clients.

ABS Awarded Construction for New Patient Care Building
May 2009

Advanced Building Systems, Inc. was awarded the general construction work for a new 13,000 SF patient care facility for Caron Treatment Center, Wernersville, PA.

The project manager will be Kevin Manmiller and the project superintendent will be Mike Breisch. Project is expected to start by the end of May 2009.

Stay tuned to our web site for updates and progress photos.

Kurtz and Manmiller Green Advantage Certified

February 2009

ABS is proud to announce that John E. Kurtz, Chief Estimator, and Kevin L. Manmiller, Project Manager, recently completed training and passed the Green Advantage Commercial Construction Exam. The credentials received qualify John and Kevin as recognized sustainable construction and real estate development practitioners capable of assisting and guiding our clients into the world of certified Green Building construction.

To learn more about Green Advantage, visit their website at www.GreenAdvantage.org.

Thorsen Appointed ABC Keystone 2009 Director
January 2009

John M. Thorsen was appointed as the newest member of the 2009 Board of Directors of the Keystone Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. Thorsen is President and COO of Advanced Building Systems, Inc. in Reading. Thorsen graduated from Penn State University in 1986 with a degree in Architectural Engineering and a minor in Construction Management. John has over 23 years of experience in the construction business.

ABS Continues working with Sunoco Logistics
February 2009

ABS continues assisting Sunoco Logistics (a Division of Sunoco Pipeline, L.P.) with their various facility projects as their needs arise. We thank Sunoco Logistics for allowing us to help them, and also for their kind words about our services.

Read testimonial letter from Ray Koch, Regional Engineer of Sunoco Pipeline, L.P.

ABS chosen to aid Boyertown Foundry Company in Expansion
January 2009

ABS has been chosen as the Design Build Contractor to aid Boyertown Foundry Company with the expansion of their facility. Boyertown Foundry is located in New Berlinville, PA. Boyertown Foundry Company's line of business is manufacturing of non-electric heating equipment.

Preconstruction and design has started with construction estimated to start in mid-March 2009 on the 19,000 sf addition.

Read more

ABS Holiday Party held at Hershey Park
December 2008

The ABS Company Holiday party was held at Hershey Park this year on Saturday December 13. Hershey Park is open during the holidays for its Christmas Candylane theme. Though it was a cold day, the park was crowded and filled with Holiday cheer!

Our private luncheon was held indoors at the Coaster Café near the Wildcat rollercoaster. We ended with a company sing-a-long highlighted by the children of our team members.

Thank you to all who attended and helped make the day a success. Happy Holidays!

ABS teaming with Hershey Zoo America to update park infrastructure
December 2008

ABS has been chosen to perform necessary park infrastructure renovations and updating. The work will include new electrical, water and gas service work with necessary structures which will be more strategically located through out Zoo America.

Construction will start mid December 2008. Completion is anticipated by Spring 2009.

For more information on Zoo America click on the web link below.

www.hersheypa.com/attractions/zooAmerica/index.php

ABS teaming up with Hershey Zoo America to build new
Administration Facility
November 2008

ABS has been working with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts in a design-build capacity to assist in the design of the Zoo America staff’s new Administration Facility. The new 5000 sf two-story building will be built within Hershey’s Zoo America Park adjacent to the recently completed “Falconry Experience” project.

Demolition work has been completed. Construction will start by early January 2009. Completion is anticipated by May 2009.

For more information on Zoo America click on the web link below.

www.hersheypa.com/attractions/zooAmerica/index.php

ABS Hires New Superintendent
October 2008

ABS is proud to announce the hiring of Harlan “Buzz” Haake, Jr. as project superintendent. Buzz joins ABS with over 25 years experience in the commercial construction market.

Buzz will be the project superintendent on the Hershey Zoo America projects in Hershey, PA.

ABS teaming with Hershey Zoo America to build Falconry Mews
September 2008

ABS is proud to announce that they will be part of the creation of the new “Falconry Experience” for the Hershey Hotel. A new facility will be built within Hershey’s Zoo America Park. The Falconry Experience will acquaint participants with the history of man’s relationship with raptors and the evolution of falconry.

ABS has been working with the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Construction Services Group towards budgeting and design. Construction will start in mid-October 2008. Completion is anticipated by early December 2008.

For more information click on the web link below.

http://www.hersheypa.com/falconry/index.php

ABS to work with Reading Self Storage LLC for Renovations to downtown Reading Building
September 2008

ABS was recently awarded the contract to perform construction management services to perform demolition and renovations to 527 North Third Street. Work includes surgical demolition of existing buildings on site, electrical services relocation and upgrades, fire protection systems upgrades and other renovation work. Project is being performed for Reading Self Storage LLC.

The project is scheduled to start by mid September 2008.

ABS Continues Relationship: Awarded New Marriott TownePlace Suites
June 2008

ABS was recently awarded the contract to perform general construction services for a new four-story Marriott Towne Place Suites Hotel to be located in Nazareth, PA. We are proud to announce that this project continues the relationship with the owner of the Microtel Suites and Super 8 Addition projects. The Microtel project was completed in February 2008. The Super 8 project is currently underway with foundations work being constructed.

The project is scheduled to Start by late July 2008.

ABS Hires New Project Engineer
June 2008

ABS is proud to announce the hiring of John Homa as Project Engineer. John is a recent graduate of Lehigh Carbon Community College and holds a degree in Construction and Building Technology.

John will be assisting the project management staff on all ABS projects including the new Candlewood Suits Hotel in West Reading, Super 8 Expansion in Allentown and Conestoga Bank in Blue Bell.

John will also be involved with assisting the estimating department on current and future pricing assembly.

ABS Continues Relationship: Awarded Expansion of Allentown Super 8
April 2008

ABS was recently awarded the contract to perform renovations and a new two-story 24-room addition to the existing Super 8 Motel located in Allentown, Pa. We are proud to announce that this project continues the relationship with the owner of the Microtel Suites project that was successfully completed in February 2008.

ABS worked with the owner with value engineering services so that the project could commence within the owner’s budget. Work is scheduled to start in Mid April 2008.

ABS to Begin Construction for a New Candlewood Suites Hotel
March 2008

Advanced Building Systems, Inc. will begin construction of a new 60,000 sf Candlewood Suites Hotel to be located in West Reading, Pa. on the corner of Penn Avenue and Third Streets.

ABS will be the Design-Builder and has worked with the Owner, Mahaohm Corporation, for over a year towards the development, design and bidding of the project. The project estimated cost is approximately $5.7 million.

The architect is Olsen Design Group Architects, civil engineer is Stackhouse Bensinger, Inc. and mechanical and electrical design specifications were prepared by Consolidated Engineers.

The project is scheduled to start by the end of March 2008 and be complete by February 2009. The project manager for ABS will be Kevin Manmiller and the project superintendent will be Mike Breisch. Stay tuned to our web site for updates and progress photos.

ABS Hires New Superintendent
January 2008

ABS is proud to announce the hiring of Mike Smith as project superintendent. Mike joins ABS with over 20 years experience in the commercial construction market.

Mike will be the project superintendent on the new Belair North Village project in Belair, Maryland.

We wish Mike much success.

ABS Awarded Construction for New Retail Building
January 2008

Advanced Building Systems, Inc. was awarded the general construction work for a new 13,000 SF retail “white box” to be built for a private developer. The project location is in Belair, Maryland. The project is scheduled to start by mid January 2008 and be complete by June 2008.

The project manager will be Kevin Manmiller and the project superintendent will be Mike Smith. Stay tuned to our web site for updates and progress photos.

ABS Awarded Construction for New Conestoga Bank Branch
October 2007

Advanced Building Systems, Inc. was awarded the general construction work for a new 3,300 SF bank branch office for Conestoga Bank. Conestoga Bank has several offices in Center City Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, and in Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties.

Construction is scheduled to start by the end of October 2007 and be completed by March 2008.

ABS Continues Relationship with Tri-Point Properties
October 2007

ABS has been chosen once again by Tri-Point Properties, Inc. of Downingtown, Pa. to perform renovations to their existing property currently in use by WESCO. The project is located in Reading, PA.

The work will include demolition and renovations to an existing facility which will be in operation during construction activities. Work will start in mid-October 2007 and be complete by November 2007.

ABS Awarded Expansion of Allentown Microtel Inn and Suites
September 2007

ABS was recently awarded the contract to construct a 3,500 sf, 3 story addition to the existing Microtel Inn and Suites located on 1880 Steelstone Road, Allentown, PA.

ABS worked with the owner with value engineering services so that the project could commence on time and within the owner’s budget. Work is scheduled to start at the end of October 2007 and be completed by late February 2008.

ABS Continues Albright College Relationship
August 2007

ABS has been hired by Albright College to assist in the management of campus improvements to the College’s grounds and buildings.

ABS Project Manager Kevin Manmiller is leading the efforts along with ABS Superintendents Michael Breisch and Alan Hileman.

Work started in July 2007 and should continue through fall 2007.

Albright College Renovations to Teel and Selwyn Halls
August 2007

ABS has been chosen to perform exterior renovations to Albright College’s Teel and Selwyn Hall buildings. Work is under way and is anticipated to be complete in October 2007.

ABS Continues Relationship with Best Western Owner
August 2007

ABS is proud to announce the start of preconstruction services for a new Holiday Inn Express to be located in Stroudsburg, PA.

The new hotel will be built for KMD Hospitality Corp. ABS already completed a new Best Western Hotel for KMD Hospitality Corp. earlier this year. The Architect will be HRH Architects, Inc. of Roswell, Georgia. Construction start is scheduled for the first quarter of 2008.

Thorsen Promoted to President/COO
June 2007

Advanced Building Systems, Inc. (ABS) is proud to announce the appointment of John M. Thorsen as President and Chief Operating Officer. John has been with ABS for 1.5 years previously serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Architectural Engineering and a minor in Construction Management, John has over 21 years of construction experience.

John notes, "My first year with ABS was everything I thought it would be, very challenging and exciting. We have gone through a lot of changes and growth. I continue to be encouraged by positive feedback received from our clients, subcontractors and suppliers. I think we are pleasantly surprising a lot of people as to the high quality of our services. We have a great team that is working very well together and loves the business of construction.

"ABS wants to be known as the company that does what we say we are going to do with professionalism, fairness and trustworthiness. With that said, I continue to be excited about the possibilities of ABS’ growth and potential to be a major contributor to the Reading and Berks County construction market."

Thorsen resides in Lancaster, Pa. with his wife, 3 children and many pets. John also will be serving as President this fall of his college fraternity’s alumni organization (Delta Tau Delta).

Thorsen graduates from Leadership Berks
June 7, 2007

John M. Thorsen graduated June 7, 2007 from the Leadership Berks Executive Series Program. Thorsen is President and COO of Advanced Building Systems, Inc. located in Reading, PA. ABS is a Design-Build, General Construction and Construction Management firm that has been in business for over 20 years.

Leadership Berks is a nonprofit organization that has graduated more than 600 people over the past 20 years. Leadership Berks was founded in 1985 by the Junior League of Reading, PA, Inc., the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Labor Council, and United Way of Berks County.

Their mission is to provide programs that will broaden the base of effective future voluntary community leadership within Berks County, by cultivating the interest, knowledge and skills of emerging leaders reflecting diverse backgrounds. Leadership Berks accomplishes its mission by preparing individuals to contribute their time and talents to effectively meet the rapidly changing needs of the Berks County community.

The Executive Series Program is specifically for top-tier management and introduces key leaders to community-related issues in an intimate, interactive setting. Find out more at LeadershipBerks.org.

New Project Awarded
May 2007

ABS has been chosen by Tri-Point Properties, Inc. of Downingtown, Pa. to perform renovations and additions to the existing property at 210 George Street, Reading, PA.

The work will include demolition of the majority of the interior spaces towards creating new tenant space. A new spacious glass and steel lobby addition with a new elevator will be constructed onto the south end of the existing building.

Work started in late May 2007 and is scheduled to be complete by early September 2007.

See more of the project on the ABS@Work page.

ABS Upgrades Construction Fleet
May 2007

ABS recently upgraded two of its field vehicles to better serve our clients and present our company to the public.

Veteran Project Superintendent Michael Breisch poses proudly with his new GMC Sierra Extended Cab in this picture. Michael personally outfitted his vehicle with the appropriate tool storage units and rack system.

Fresh new graphics representing ABS’s new direction were also installed on each of the new vehicles by Strickler Graphics of Womelsdorf, PA.

Summer 2007 Intern Hired
May 2007

ABS has hired Dustin Faust from Auburn, Pa. as a summer intern. Dustin is a graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School and is currently in his 5th year of studies in the well-known Penn State University Architectural Engineering program.

Within the Architectural Engineering degree program, Dustin is pursuing the Construction Management option and hopes to one day become a successful Project Manager. Dustin has worked for the Pennsylvania State University Physical Plant and was involved with projects around the University Park campus such as Medlar Field, Recreation Hall Expansion, Eishenhower Renovation and the basis of his thesis, Borland Laboratory Renovations.

In his free time Dustin enjoys whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking. He is very active as a leader for his Boy Scout troop where he is an Eagle Scout.

ABS Starts New Project for WEBB Medical Systems
December 2006

ABS to assist WEBB Medical Systems with renovations to a building that they purchased in Northampton, PA. Initial work to include upgrade of all electrical service, selective demolition and then interior renovations of approximately 4000 SF of the existing facility.

Renovations will create a new office and show room for their products and services. WEBB Medical also has a facility in the K-Mart Shopping Plaza in Shillington, PA.

WEBB Medical Systems provides oxygen, custom rehabilitation and durable medical equipment to customers in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Artist Renderings

ABS to Attend PSU Career Fair
August 7, 2006

Each November, the Architectural Engineering department at Pennsylvania State University holds an all day career fair at Recreation Hall on the main campus in State College, PA. It is now in its 14th year. Advanced Building Systems, Inc. will be present this year on November 14, 2006 to meet prospective interns and possible future project management hires. Any questions, please contact John Thorsen at jthorsen@abs-gc.com.

Please visit Penn State's Department of Architectural Engineering website for more on the career fair.

Summer 2006 Intern Hired

ABS hired Scott Iles from Lancaster as a summer intern. Scott graduated from Hempfield High School in May 2006 and will begin his college career at the end of August 2006 at the University of Pennsylvania.

Scott will be studying math and physics. During the summer months, Scott helped the ABS office staff with organizing storage and files, historical data, helped created a library of reference materials, and updated ABS’s archives of over 20 years of projects.

Scott also got to enjoy work in on the ABS project sites as well, working with our superintendent staff on various tasks throughout the summer.

We wish Scott well and he is welcome anytime at ABS.

ABS Launches Newly Designed and Updated Website

Advanced Building Systems, Inc. has newly redesigned and updated their website to enhance company history, project descriptions, description of the services and provide links to key construction related organizations.

We also wanted to feature photographs and information of our staff to further enhance our relationships with past, current and future clients. This site is meant to help you, our customer, and we welcome your recommendations and advice.

We hope you will find this new site easier to navigate as well. If you have any suggestions for improvements, if you find an error, or if you just want to comment, please use our contact page to let us know how you feel.

ABS hires Kevin Manmiller as new Project Manager
June 1, 2006

Kevin L. Manmiller, project manager, was hired by Advanced Building Systems, Inc. in June, 2006. Kevin previously worked for R. S. Mowery & Sons, Inc., Mechanicsburg, Pa.

With over 10 years experience in the commercial construction arena and a Bachelors Degree in Structural Design and Construction Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, we at ABS are fortunate to have Kevin Manmiller on our team.

Kevin has experience in estimating, project engineering and project management. As a project manager he has worked on design/build, federal government and DGS projects ranging in size from 1 million to in excess of 12 million dollars. These projects have included medical facilities, senior living facilities, historical renovations, restaurants, warehouses and roller coasters. Presently Kevin is project manager of the Redner’s Warehouse Market project in Joppatowne, Maryland.

Kevin enjoys spending quality time with his family, wife Gretchen and daughter Victoria. Together they enjoy skiing, mountain biking and hunting.

ABS hires John Kurtz as new Chief Estimator
May 15, 2006

John E. Kurtz, chief estimator at Advanced Building Systems, Inc., became a member of our team in May 2006 previously working for Alexander Building Construction, Inc., State College, Pa.

John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and brings 15 years experience to ABS. John has experience in both the design/build and conventional bidding processes.

Projects he has bid range from $10 thousand to $30 million including retail stores, higher educational buildings, chemistry and life science buildings and other commercial projects.

John, his wife Susan and three children are relocating to the Boyertown area from State College, Pa. Spending time with his family, flying, classic cars and pen and ink drawing is how John spends his time away from ABS.