Coffman Engineers To Enhance MEP Services With DFDA Integration

In a significant move within the engineering sector, Coffman Engineers, Inc. (Coffman), a leading multidiscipline consulting engineering firm, has announced its intention to integrate Donald F. Dickerson Associates, Inc. (DFDA), a renowned mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering firm, into its operations. The formal asset purchase agreement is set to be finalized in April 2024, marking a notable collaboration between the two entities.

This strategic alliance will see DFDA’s three proprietors—April Trafton; Phillip Trafton, CPD, LEED AP; and Andranik (Andy) Khechoumian, PE—alongside 18 staff members, joining the Coffman team. The primary aim of this transition is to ensure seamless service delivery to DFDA clients while offering DFDA employees enhanced career opportunities within Coffman’s expansive framework.

April Trafton, President of DFDA, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting the continuity it offers to their client service and the additional resources and services now accessible through Coffman. She reflected on DFDA’s legacy as a family firm and anticipated the continuation of this legacy within Coffman.

The synergy between DFDA and Coffman extends beyond mere business operations; both firms share a rich history of similar project experiences across various markets, with DFDA bringing in substantial expertise in high-rise, multi-family, and mixed-use projects. The existing relationships and partnerships between leadership and staff of both firms lay a solid foundation for a smooth transition.

Jonathan Wirthlin, PE, Vice President and Managing Principal of Los Angeles for Coffman, remarked on the honor of merging with DFDA’s team and the value of their extensive experience in California. He emphasized the shared commitment to quality service and a positive work culture that predicated this union.

Post-merger, DFDA will operate under the Coffman Engineers brand but will continue serving clients with the same dedication and quality assurance that have been its hallmark. The transition also includes relocating DFDA to Coffman’s new office space in the West San Fernando Valley shortly after the deal's closure. This merger is poised to bolster MEP service capacity for clients while leveraging Coffman’s existing capabilities in civil, structural, and fire protection engineering.

For further details on this merger and what it entails for both firms and their clientele, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.coffman.com/news/dfda-joins-coffman-engineers/.

Coffman Engineers stands as a beacon in the engineering consulting domain, offering an integrated suite of services across civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection engineering, and more. With over 780 employees spread across 21 offices in the U.S., Coffman is dedicated to collaborative efforts aimed at building a better world. For more insights into Coffman Engineers’ projects and services or to connect on social media, visit coffman.com.

For additional information regarding this merger or other inquiries, Beth Shimogawa can be contacted at 808.387.4928 or via email at [email protected].