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, is celebrating its 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, his wife, Nel, and their 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, and at BRIGHTSMITH Coaters, Tiffany Hutcheson is general manager and Tony Bus is operations manager.