Coffman Engineers Welcomes DFDA To Their Team, Bolstering LA Engineering Services

In a significant move within the engineering sector, Coffman Engineers, Inc. (Coffman) has successfully completed an asset purchase agreement with Donald F. Dickerson Associates, Inc. (DFDA), as announced on April 19th. This strategic alliance is set to enhance the service offerings and expand the workforce of both entities, marking a new chapter in their histories.

With this partnership, Coffman welcomes three DFDA owners along with 18 staff members into its fold. DFDA, a firm with a storied history dating back to 1961, has been instrumental in shaping the Los Angeles skyline through its innovative projects. The merger aims to ensure continuity in client services and offer long-term career prospects for employees.

April Trafton, President of DFDA, expressed her enthusiasm about joining forces with Coffman, highlighting the opportunity to continue the legacy her father began while accessing additional resources and services. This merger is not just a business decision but a continuation of DFDA's family-oriented ethos under Coffman's expansive umbrella.

The synergy between DFDA and Coffman is evident in their shared project experiences across various markets, including high-rise, multi-family, and mixed-use projects. The pre-existing relationships and partnerships between leadership and staff from both firms promise a seamless integration of projects, clients, and employees.

"It is an honor to join with their engineers and designers and gain the experience they bring," said Jonathan Wirthlin, PE, Vice President and Managing Principal of Los Angeles for Coffman. He emphasized the shared commitment to quality services and a friendly work culture that underpins the success of this merger.

Post-merger, DFDA will continue its operations under the Coffman banner, maintaining its commitment to clients with the same staff and quality standards. The transition will see DFDA moving to Coffman's new office in the West San Fernando Valley within a few months of closing.

This partnership significantly boosts Coffman's MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) capacity while complementing its existing capabilities in civil, structural, and fire protection engineering. It represents a strategic expansion for Coffman Engineers, which boasts over 780 employees across 21 offices in the U.S., reinforcing its multidisciplinary approach to engineering consulting.

Coffman Engineers has carved a niche for itself by offering personalized services across multiple disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and more. Similarly, DFDA has established itself as a woman-owned business that delivers professional mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and fire protection services across the United States and overseas.

For further details on this merger and what it entails for both Coffman Engineers and Donald F. Dickerson Associates, interested parties are encouraged to visit Coffman’s official website.