BEST IN CLASS PROFILE
AMS MECHANICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
John Berzanskis, Jr., President and CEO of AMS Mechanical Systems, Inc., has created an open culture where risks are addressed proactively.
company facts Founded: 1963 Location: Burr Ridge, IL and Highland, IN Business Scope: Full-service mechanical contracting firm providing excellence in industrial refrigeration, HVAC, industrial piping and electrical engineering. Serves a wide range of commercial, industrial and institutional clients throughout the Midwest. Employees: 370 A Horton Group Client: Since 2000
“A job is a job, but integrity is for eternity. After we installed 500 fan valves in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago, two of the valves were having problems. We decided it would be wise to replace them all and avoid any further headaches for our client. While this cost us a considerable amount of money, it was the right thing to do. We want our clients to rest assured they are working with the best.� - John Berzanskis, Jr., President and CEO AMS Mechanical Systems, Inc.
(L to R) Mike Roberts, Chief Financial Officer, John Berzanskis, Jr., President and CEO, and Mark Rook, Safety Director.
The Solution Builder hile AMS Mechanical Systems is not a household name, many of their clients certainly are: Coca-Cola, Dean Foods, Quaker Oats, BP Amoco, Costco, the Art Institute of Chicago, Midway Airport, United Airlines, Green Giant, Oscar Mayer, Cook County Hospital, Northwestern University, Ritz Carlton, 3M, Ford, Argonne National Laboratories.
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With more than 30 years of experience, the Burr Ridge, IL-based company has developed unparalleled capabilities in industrial refrigeration, HVAC, industrial piping and electrical engineering. From cold and thermal storage warehousing to food and chemical processing, AMS provides complete system design, installation and service. John Berzanskis, Jr., bought AMS from his father in 1978. At the time, AMS was working mostly on small HVAC installation and service projects. Today, AMS is an allunion shop employing 370 people and typically has more than 50 projects in progress, not including service work.
Finding the Right People AMS has developed a team of engineers, draftsmen and project managers who have the expertise to design, control, modify and analyze their client’s mechanical systems. AMS also maintains a highly-trained and knowledgeable installation and service team. With this combination of personnel, AMS provides the necessary technical skills and project management of related trades
to expedite project completion. “We want our installations to be ahead of schedule, efficient, easily serviceable and have an extended life cycle,” said John Berzanskis, Jr., President of AMS. “Our approach to every project is to build and maintain it as though it was our own, utilizing our full line of resources. We take our commitment to quality very seriously.” All aspects of a project are taken into consideration when planning with clients, including initial costs, operating and maintenance expenses, system controls and future expansion. In addition to performing quality work, AMS often leads and coordinates all related trades on projects. AMS also maintains a strong team of designers, engineers and nuclear certified welders in their state-of-the-art metal and pipe fabrication shop. AMS is regularly commissioned to design, fabricate, install and maintain entire mechanical systems for some of the most respected companies in the food, pharmaceutical, medical, petroleum, manufacturing, chemical and power industries. “I feel our greatest asset is the experience of our foremen and supervisors,” said Berzanskis. “The average tenure in our field force is 15 years, which shows a great deal of loyalty. This is a family business and everyone is treated as part of the family.”
In order to meet the growing demands of their clients, AMS is dedicated to staying on top of changing technological advancements.
AMS invests in the technologies and training needed to meet the demands of the industrial ammonia and freon refrigeration industry.
Taking Control of Risks Mark Rook, Safety Director of AMS, has made safety central to the company’s culture. He teaches OSHA-10 and 30-hour classes, performs site-specific hazard analysis, investigates accidents, handles claims administration and writes the safety policies for AMS. “Everyone is aware of the risks they face on each job and how to conduct themselves the AMS way,” Rook said. “We have created a strong incentive program to further encourage safe practices. Our people know that $30,000 spent on a back injury is money that will not be there at the end of the year for bonuses or profit sharing. When you’re accountable for the safety record of an entire jobsite, peer pressure to work safely goes a long way.” By working with experts like Network Safety Consultants, The Horton Group’s safety division, AMS has structured a company dedicated to proactively addressing risks before claims occur.
Whether in the fabrication shop or out in the field, AMS employees undergo thorough safety training and ongoing safety education efforts.
health screenings. In addition, all of our claims are handled in a prompt and professional manner.” AMS Mechanical is dedicated to providing the highest quality craftsmanship, project management and client service. John Berzanskis, Jr. feels his passion for continuous improvement is carried throughout the entire company. “A job is a job, but integrity is for eternity,” he concluded. “After we installed 500 fan valves in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago, two of the valves were having problems. We decided it would be wise to replace them all and avoid any further headaches for our client. While this cost us a considerable amount of money, it was the right thing to do. We want our clients to rest assured they are working with the best.”
“Aside from sending our people home to their families each night, establishing a safe and aware workforce just makes good business sense,” Rook explained. “The foundation for a long-term relationship in this industry starts with a strong safety program. It shows clients that we care about our people and their business.”
Integrity is for Eternity AMS has partnered with The Horton Group to address their insurance and risk management needs since 2000. Mike Roberts, Chief Financial Officer of AMS, feels that Horton provides the expertise and proactive communication needed to take AMS to the next level. “The people at Horton understand our business and work diligently to help us achieve our goals,” Roberts said. “They facilitate safety seminars, introduce new risk management technologies and assist with employee
A plant supervisor at the AMS Burr Ridge, IL facility explains the mechanics of an industrial vent to Mark Rook (center), AMS Safety Director, and Chuck Naso (right), of The Horton Group.
Corporate Headquarters 10320 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, IL 60467
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