Bennett & Pless Welcomes Advanced Structural Technologies, Expanding Capabilities and Reach Across North America
AST 's expertise in cold storage, industrial, semiconductor manufacturing, and design-build projects enhances key market sectors and expands the firm 's presence into the Midwest.
ATLANTA, GA AND EDINA, MN / ACCESS Newswire / July 1, 2026 /Bennett & Pless announced today that Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) has merged with the firm, strengthening key technical capabilities and expanding its geographic presence across North America.
Founded in 2002 in Edina, Minnesota, AST is recognized for delivering highly coordinated structural solutions through advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM), and steel detailing. The firm has built a strong reputation in cold storage, retail, industrial, manufacturing (semiconductor), and design-build projects throughout the United States.
The addition of AST enhances Bennett & Pless ' position across key market sectors, bringing specialized expertise, established client relationships, and experience that support increasingly complex projects.
"AST has built an exceptional reputation for practical structural solutions and strong client relationships, " said Bill Brown, CEO of Bennett & Pless. "This is a strategic addition that strengthens how we serve clients across key market sectors and establishes our first office presence in the Midwest. Just as importantly, we found a team whose culture aligns closely with our own. "
"As we evaluated opportunities to strengthen our position in key market sectors, AST distinguished itself through its expertise, relationships, and reputation, " said Scott Steiding, Chief Growth Officer of Bennett & Pless. "Their leadership in adjacent growth sectors strengthens our industrial and manufacturing experience, while expanding our presence in key geographies where we share strong client relationships. "
"AST has always focused on helping clients deliver complex projects with greater certainty, " said John Levar, Founder and President of Advanced Structural Technologies. "Joining Bennett & Pless expands our capabilities and resources and brings together teams that share a commitment to innovation, including the use of technology to improve workflows and project delivery. "
"For more than 20 years, AST has been built on strong relationships and sophisticated problem-solving, " said Dave Buchanan, Founder and Managing Principal of Advanced Structural Technologies. "We are proud of what we 've built and excited to join a team that shares those same priorities. "
About Advanced Structural Technologies
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Edina, Minnesota, Advanced Structural Technologies provides structural engineering, BIM, steel detailing, and construction-focused consulting services throughout the United States and Canada. The firm is recognized for its collaborative approach, advanced modeling capabilities, cold storage expertise, and support of design-build and fast-track construction projects.
About Bennett & Pless
With over six decades as a single-discipline structural engineering firm, Bennett & Pless combines local expertise with national reach. With offices across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Texas, and now the Midwest, the firm provides structural engineering services for industrial, manufacturing, mission-critical, life sciences, education, healthcare, high-end residential, adaptive reuse, and specialty structures.
Media Contact
Cathy Melcher, Director, Marketing Communications, Bennett & Pless, (571) 261-6240, cmelcher@bennett-pless.com
SOURCE: Bennett & Pless
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