“AVS, Inc., Ayer MA, USA a leading manufacturer of custom vacuum and pressure furnaces, is pleased to announce the successful transfer of ownership from Steven Levesque to Jacob (Jake) Krashan. 

Since 1984, Steven Levesque had committed his life’s work to the design, development, and construction of quality vacuum and pressure furnaces.  In 2005, he was honored to become its CEO, President, and owner.  Steven now confidently leaves AVS in the capable hands of Mr. Krashan, a long-term employee, who was promoted to COO in 2015 and who, on November 20, 2020, became its new CEO, President, and owner.

“While AVS has been my passion and received my full attention during my time here, it was time to retire.” Mr. Levesque states. “Jake has consistently shown the drive, capabilities, and decision-making skills required to bring the company into the future.  I have complete confidence he will continue promoting the company as a major world leader of thermal processing equipment.”

Mr. Levesque continues, “AVS has operated as a family of like-minded people dedicated to providing the latest custom, state-of-the-art equipment focusing on its customers’ unique requirements.  Jake has adeptly demonstrated his ability to carry this company philosophy forward into the next phase of its growth.”

Jake Krashan joined the AVS team in 1996, as an Mechanical Assembler. Throughout his employment, Jake continually advanced through the ranks from technical assembly, service and manufacturing supervisor, and the past five years as COO and Vice President.  Jake has gained extensive experience with custom furnace solutions and is pleased to take on full ownership. “I want to thank Mr. Levesque for this opportunity, and I am honored that he put his trust in me to lead the company. My goal for AVS is to push the boundaries of thermal processing and deliver the highest quality equipment to our customers worldwide,” said Mr. Krashan. “I am grateful that AVS has been a part of my family for 25 years, and am looking forward to many more to come.”

AVS has been providing custom vacuum and pressure furnaces to customers worldwide for over 50 years, having transferred ownership two times to date. Each owner has pushed AVS forward to new opportunities while keeping the company privately-owned. We are looking forward to the company’s future and carry on its legacy of continued growth and development of ground-breaking thermal processing equipment.

Our manufacturing facility in Ayer, Massachusetts, is vertically integrated with in-house capabilities that include furnace design and engineering, ASME certified welding, panel building, complete integration, and thorough testing procedures of complex furnace systems. Additionally, we offer field service, upgrades, and spare parts for any furnace, no matter the manufacturer. From concept to manufacturing, final assembly, and technical support, every AVS employee is invested in the customer’s success and dedicated to delivering complete furnace solutions.”

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