Java Build Tools: Ant vs. Maven

If you lack the courage to quit, then use Ant. Ant is the second best existing build tool for Java projects. Although inferior to Rake, Ant is still a great build tool. Ant is mature and stable, it is fast, and it comes with a rich library of tasks. Ant makes it possible (but not at all easy) to script rich, complex builds processes custom-tailored to your project.

So, write your own build tool, or else switch to Rake, or fight to switch to Rake, or quit and go some place where you can use Rake. And if all else fails, use Ant until you can find a new job somewhere else that uses Rake.

That’s it! Those are the only choices I can recommend! Because you never, ever, under any circumstances want to use Maven!
(Link: Java Build Tools: Ant vs. Maven)