Al Basse, Jr. Takes The Helm From His Dad
In 1962, just back from Korea, Al Basse, Jr., a Brown University grad, took the helm from his Dad. He carried on his Dad’s legacy and modernized the plant with a 10,000-square-foot addition in 1972. He worked with many of New England’s major advertising agencies developing sign and graphic display solutions and tirelessly grew the business until his untimely passing at the young age of 41.
1976
Ellen Leads Us Through a Difficult Transition
Guided Through Adversity & Hardship
In 1976, after Al, Jr. passed, his wife Ellen was faced with the challenge to continue the business or sell. No stranger to hard work, and without hesitation, Ellen rolled up her sleeves and joined the senior management team as CEO. With four children at home, and one in college, and buttressed by the support of Alan Grant as President, and then VP of Sales Paul Manning, Jr., Ellen brought the company through the difficult transition. Her guidance, perseverance, and general business wisdom helped lead the company and started ABA on its next 40 years of growth and success.
Continuing in the Tradition of a True “Family” Business
In 1983, Ellen’s new husband, Tom Dietz joined the company as President and helped to once again lead us to a level of prominence in the Industry. Tom served on the Board of Directors of SGIA, and was also recognized for his service to the industry. Continuing in the tradition of a true “family” business, Ellen was joined by her daughter Debbie for a period of time, and then by her sons, Albert “Chip” Basse, III (joined in 1984) and Edwin E. Basse (joined in 1993).
1997
Albert “Chip” Basse, III Takes Over
Transitioning Into Our Third Generation of Leadership
In 1997, the company transitioned into its third generation under the direction of Albert “Chip” Basse, III. Chip’s involvement with the company goes back to the early days of working summers with his Dad. He began full time with the company after graduating with a business degree from Rollins College in 1984 and has been involved in every phase of the business since
2001
Setting Ourselves Apart From the Competition
Continuous Upgrades & Updates
In the fall of 2001, the company expanded their capabilities and became the first screen printer in New England to install a 65”x 84”- 5-color inline screen printing press.
Since then, ABA has continued in the development of the industry and has embraced the digital revolution. In 2010 the firm expanded its capabilities with large format flatbed inkjet printing, roll-to-roll inkjet processing and digital die cutting.
2023
Durst & Other Digital Presses
The Future is Now
In 2023, we purchased and installed a Durst P5 350HS to advance our digital printing services even further. This press allows ABA to not only continue to compete in the national market, but cemented that company firmly in the high speed digital printing world. Since then we have also added an additional SwissQPrint Nyala 4 for even more high quality capabilities and capacity.
Today & On
Nearly a Century of Excellence
Cementing Ourselves as Leaders in the Industry
In the fall of 2015, Ellen left us all too soon, but she left us wall with an enormous legacy of “stepping up” when it counts. Today the 3rd and 4th generation of Basses are ably charged with continuing the company’s 9 decade heritage of quality, customer commitment and satisfaction. Under Chip’s leadership and keen production awareness, and Ed’s sharp sales and marketing skills, the company continues to be a leader in the industry.
