Sometimes the biggest wins for a community start with a handshake and a good idea in the right room.
That’s the story of how Atlas Structural Systems – a leading Canadian manufacturer of prefabricated wall panels, floor systems, stair packages, and engineered trusses – came to open their first U.S. facility right here in Lewiston. And it’s a story Hebert is proud to be at the center of.
It Started at a Quarterly Meeting
Our connection with Atlas began through Colin Sachs, our Hammond Lumber representative, who introduced Atlas to our team and arranged for them to present at one of our quarterly project manager meetings. These sessions are where we stay current on products, partners, and ideas shaping the construction industry – and this one turned out to be more consequential than most.
During the presentation, Atlas shared that they were looking for the right American community to launch U.S. production. Our CEO Tim Hebert didn’t hesitate. Right there in the room, he committed to getting Atlas into Lewiston – and said he already knew the perfect site.
From Idea to Open for Business
Tim moved quickly on that commitment. He connected Atlas and their parent company, J.D. Irving Ltd., with the local owner of 1750 Lisbon Street – a 44,000-square-foot industrial property in Lewiston’s manufacturing corridor, formerly the Steel Service Center. Hebert then facilitated conversations between Atlas, the building owner, and the City of Lewiston, helping to clear the path forward.
When it was time to build out the space, Hebert Construction did the work. The facility recently received its certificate of occupancy, and Atlas’s first U.S. panelization line went live in April 2026.
What This Means in Practice
We’ve been using Atlas components on our own projects for a while now, so we know exactly what they bring to the table. Our COO Simon Hebert put it well when he spoke to Mainebiz about the opening:
“Having a world-class manufacturer invest in our community is meaningful on multiple levels – it creates quality jobs and economic opportunity locally. It gives Maine contractors like us a reliable, nearby source for panelized systems and prefabricated components. That kind of regional supply capacity helps keep construction costs competitive and lead times predictable, which matters a great deal in an active market like ours.” – Simon Hebert, COO, Hebert Construction
Our project manager Zach Whishman, who worked with Atlas on the Seavey Crossing apartments in Westbrook, summed up one of the biggest practical advantages: “Traditional wall panels are eight to nine feet; Atlas has the ability to provide panels over 20 feet long. Longer panels mean fewer walls needing to be set, speeding up construction.”
We’ve also used Atlas’s floor, wall, and stair assemblies on a four-story apartment building at Avesta Housing’s Maple Grove Complex in Westbrook – and we’re planning to use the same system on the Orren, an 80-unit condo project in Biddeford we’re building for Fathom Cos. Having Atlas right here in Lewiston instead of across the Canadian border makes scheduling and logistics dramatically more predictable.
Nearly 45 New Jobs for Lewiston
Beyond what this means for contractors, Atlas is bringing close to 45 jobs to Lewiston – real, full-time manufacturing positions. They’re hiring now for roles including Production Planner, Skilled Laborer, Structural Designer, and CDL A Tractor Trailer Driver.
If you or someone you know is looking for stable work with a quality employer that’s committed to this city, check out their openings.
Home Matters
Lewiston is our home. When we saw a chance to bring a world-class manufacturer here – one that would invest in our industrial corridor, hire our neighbors, and strengthen the supply chain for Maine contractors – we didn’t wait for someone else to make it happen.
We made the introduction. We facilitated the conversations. We built the space. And now Atlas is open, hiring, and growing in our city.
That’s what being committed to Lewiston looks like. Welcome to Maine, Atlas.