American Building Services
American Building Services is a regional supplier and integrator of doors, frames, hardware, and security systems for commercial construction. Operating as a CBX Solutions branch in Vernon Hills, IL, it serves general contractors and architects across multiple verticals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1968
- HeadquartersWheeling, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What American Building Services does
American Building Services (ABS) is a full-service regional supplier and integrator of architectural doors, frames, hardware, and related specialty construction products, operating as the Vernon Hills (CBX Solutions 600) branch within the broader CBX Solutions multi-branch network. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in the Wheeling/Vernon Hills, Illinois area, the company serves construction specifications across CSI Divisions 8 (doors/frames/hardware), 10 (specialties), and 27/28 (electronic security and communications). ABS combines product distribution with value-added services spanning pre-construction (detailing, estimating, design), a 10,000 sq ft pre-installation workshop for hardware mounting, professional installation, custom fabrication and welding, fire door inspections, and ongoing aftermarket maintenance.
The company's revenue model blends one-time product sales with professional services and managed/recurring maintenance streams. Pricing is quote-based and volume-driven, leveraging purchasing scale from manufacturer partnerships to deliver competitive pricing to customers. Go-to-market is sales-led, executed through direct branch relationships with general contractors, architects, end-users, and property managers, supplemented by 'Let's Do Lunch' educational events targeting specification-stage influencers. The customer base spans education, hospitality, municipal, property management, commercial construction, industrial, religious, and healthcare/senior living verticals, with notable enterprise projects including Clark Construction's Union Station (52-story office tower), Turner Construction's Peabody Union, and Power Construction's Rush Ambulatory Care (450,000 sq ft medical building).
ABS is described as the area's largest supplier and a top security integrator, supported by three additional facilities on the same street as its Vernon Hills branch. The company employs 101-250 people, is privately held with no disclosed ownership or funding structure, and operates without a proprietary technology stack; its competitive position rests on distribution density, supplier relationships, and integrated pre-installation capabilities rather than software or AI differentiation.
American Building Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- American Building Services
- Legal name
- CBX Solutions
- Website
- https://abschicago.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1968
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- American Building Services is a regional supplier and integrator of doors, frames, hardware, and security systems for commercial construction. Operating as a CBX Solutions branch in Vernon Hills, IL, it serves general contractors and architects across multiple verticals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
American Building Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Building Products Distribution
- NAICS
- Metal Window and Door Manufacturing (332321), Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors (238210), Construction of Buildings (236)
- SIC
- Metal Doors, Sash, Frames, Moldings & Trim (3442), Electrical Work (1731), Services-Miscellaneous Repair Services (7600), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Architectural Hardware & Door Controls (Hinges, Locks, Closers, Panic Devices) (IMADAIAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Commercial & Industrial Doors (Sectional, High-Speed, Fire, Security) (IMADAIAF), Interior Doors (IMADAIAB), Exterior Doors (IMADAIAA), Doors, Gates, Loading Docks & Access Systems Service (IMAIABAH), Low-Voltage & Security Systems Contracting (Access Control, CCTV, Intrusion) (IMAFALAF), Door Repair & Adjustment (Interior/Exterior, Hinges, Closers) (HSAGAEAA)
Keywords
Where American Building Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wheeling
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
American Building Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Building Products and Hardware Sales: Revenue generated from the sale of doors, frames, hardware, and specialty construction products for divisions 8, 10, and 28. Volume-based pricing model allows competitive prices passed to customers.
- Installation and Pre-Installation Services: Revenue from pre-install and installation services including hardware mounting, frame installations, and custom fabrication/welding. Includes a 10,000 sq ft pre-install workshop for expedited project turnaround.
- Maintenance and Aftermarket Services: Ongoing maintenance services and repair for doors, frames, and hardware, providing recurring service revenue from existing installations.
- Security Integration Services: Revenue from electronic security and communications solutions including Division 27 & 28 services, fire door inspections, and security system integration.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quote-based pricing tailored to project specifications |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
American Building Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
American Building Services supplies architectural doors, frames, hardware, and specialty construction products for Division 8, 10, and 28 specifications. The company also provides electronic security and communications integration, pre-construction design and estimating, pre-installation services through a 10,000 sq ft workshop, on-site installation, custom fabrication and welding, fire door inspections, and ongoing maintenance and repair services for commercial construction projects.
Product overview
American Building Services (ABS) operates as a single-location supplier and integrator offering a unified portfolio of construction products and services. The core product offerings center on doors, frames, and hardware (Division 8), electronic security and communications solutions (Divisions 27 & 28), and Division 10 specialties. These product lines are supported by a suite of service offerings including fire door inspections, pre-construction services (detailing, estimating, design), pre-install and installation services (leveraging a 10,000 sq ft workshop), maintenance and repair services, frame installations, and custom fabrication and welding. The company positions itself as a total opening solution provider, offering everything from pre-construction through maintenance and repair.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Doors, Frames, and Hardware Supply of architectural doors, frames, and hardware products for commercial construction Division 8 applications, sourced from reputable manufacturers and delivered with volume-based competitive pricing.
- Electronic Security & Communications Solutions Security integration services covering Division 27 & 28, including electronic security systems and communications infrastructure for commercial facilities.
- Division 10 Specialties Specialty construction products and solutions meeting Division 10 specifications for commercial buildings.
- Fire Door Inspections Inspection services for fire door compliance and safety standards at commercial and institutional facilities.
- Pre-Construction Services Detailing, estimating, and design services delivered prior to construction to support project planning for general contractors and architects.
- Pre-Install & Installation Services Installation and mounting of hardware and frames through a dedicated 10,000 square-foot pre-install workshop designed to expedite project turnaround by eliminating on-site staging.
- Maintenance Services Aftermarket and repair services providing ongoing maintenance for installed doors, frames, and hardware at commercial and institutional facilities.
- Custom Fabrication & Welding Custom fabrication and welding services delivered in-house for specialized construction requirements that fall outside standard catalog products.
Quantifiable outcome
- Pre-install workshop reduces project turnaround time by eliminating on-site staging
Companies that use American Building Services
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
American Building Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
American Building Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Various Reputable ManufacturerscoreABS works with only the most reputable manufacturers to offer comprehensive lines of reliable, high-quality products for construction divisions 8, 10, and 28. Multiple vendor logos are displayed indicating partnerships with various building product manufacturers.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
American Building Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Convergint Technologies: Convergint is a large-scale, multi-national security and low-voltage systems integrator competing with ABS's Division 27/28 electronic security and communications business. It targets the same enterprise and institutional customer base with broader geographic reach.
Direct peers
- National Door & Hardware: National Door & Hardware is a regional distributor and installer of commercial doors, frames, and architectural hardware, serving general contractors and property managers. Closely comparable in product mix, vertical segments, and project-based installation model.
- Overhead Door Corporation: Overhead Door Corporation is a major manufacturer and distributor of commercial and industrial doors, including sectional, high-speed, fire, and security doors — overlapping directly with ABS's commercial and industrial door offering and installation services.
- DH Pace: DH Pace is a national direct competitor offering commercial door, frame, and hardware distribution, plus installation, service, and overhead door solutions. Comparable in product breadth (Divisions 8, 10, 28), enterprise GC customer base, and pre-install/service capabilities.
- Ceco Door: Ceco Door is an ASSA ABLOY brand manufacturing and supplying commercial hollow metal doors and frames for offices, healthcare, education, and hospitality — directly comparable to ABS's Division 8 commercial door offering and verticals.
- Cook & Boardman: Cook & Boardman is the parent/affiliated trade brand of the CBX Solutions network that ABS belongs to (careers link on ABS's site routes to cookandboardman.com). It is the most direct comparable: a multi-branch distributor and installer of commercial doors, frames, hardware, and integrated security solutions serving the same GC, architect, and end-user base.
Broad incumbents
- Allegion: Allegion is a global manufacturer of security and door hardware brands (Schlage, Von Duprin, LCN). It is a key vendor partner for ABS but also a broad incumbent that competes with distributors through direct relationships with large GCs and integrated specification tools.
- ASSA ABLOY: ASSA ABLOY is the world's largest lock and door solutions manufacturer, offering complete opening solutions including electronic access control. Comparable to ABS's Division 8/28 portfolio at scale, and a key competing channel for architectural specifications.
- dormakaba: dormakaba is a global manufacturer of access, door, and security solutions serving commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional markets that overlap with ABS's verticals. Comparable product portfolio and customer overlap as a broad incumbent.
- Stanley Black & Decker (Commercial Hardware): Stanley Black & Decker's commercial hardware business supplies door hardware, access control, and security products to commercial construction. It is a major vendor peer and competing channel that competes with ABS for specification wins on large projects.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
American Building Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
American Building Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
American Building Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
American Building Services M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about American Building Services
What does American Building Services do?
American Building Services supplies architectural doors, frames, hardware, and specialty construction products for Division 8, 10, and 28 specifications. The company also provides electronic security and communications integration, pre-construction design and estimating, pre-installation services through a 10,000 sq ft workshop, on-site installation, custom fabrication and welding, fire door inspections, and ongoing maintenance and repair services for commercial construction projects.
Is American Building Services a public or private company?
American Building Services is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was American Building Services founded?
American Building Services was founded in 1968. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is American Building Services based?
American Building Services is headquartered in Wheeling, United States, in the North America region.
How does American Building Services make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Building Products and Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are installation and Pre-Installation Services, maintenance and Aftermarket Services and security Integration Services.
Who are American Building Services's main competitors?
Convergint Technologies is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are National Door & Hardware, Overhead Door Corporation, DH Pace, Ceco Door and Cook & Boardman. Broad incumbents are Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, dormakaba and Stanley Black & Decker (Commercial Hardware).
Does American Building Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for American Building Services.
What industry is American Building Services in?
American Building Services's product category is Commercial Building Products Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADAIAI, Architectural Hardware & Door Controls (Hinges, Locks, Closers, Panic Devices), with a secondary code of IMADAIAF, Commercial & Industrial Doors (Sectional, High-Speed, Fire, Security). Its NAICS code is 332321 and its SIC code is 3442.