Makami Engineering is deepening its roots in Northern Ontario with the acquisition of RA Engineers & Inspectors, a well-established firm based in Sault Ste. Marie. This latest move brings the city into Makami’s expanding network of offices, which already includes Sudbury, Ottawa, and Conception Bay, Newfoundland.
Founded in 2009, Makami Engineering has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality structural, mechanical, and specialty engineering services. With a multi-disciplinary approach and a growing presence in key Ontario regions, the firm is well-positioned to support the Algoma region’s infrastructure and industrial sectors.
“We’re really excited to be joining the Sault Ste. Marie community,” said Brian (Bud) Dzuirban, Makami’s Founding Partner and Principal Engineer. “For us, it’s about more than just expanding—it's about becoming part of a region we respect and have longstanding ties to. It’s a proud moment to return to where I started my career and help continue a legacy that means a lot to me.”
That legacy belongs to RA Engineers & Inspectors—formerly known as Rowswell Engineering—founded by John Rowswell and Byron Moss. The firm has been a staple in the region for years, known for its deep expertise in structural and welding engineering. It also happens to be the firm where Dzuirban launched his own engineering journey.
“The specialty structural and welding work I’ve been doing for the last 30 years really traces back to what I learned in the Sault,” Dzuirban reflected. “This just feels like the right next step—for me personally and for Makami as a company.”
By bringing RA Engineers into its fold, Makami will be able to offer expanded engineering solutions to the region, while continuing the personalized service RA’s clients have relied on for decades.
“We’ve always admired the type of work RA Engineers does,” said Tyler Levac, Partner and Reality Capture & Field Services Lead. “It’s very much aligned with how we operate at Makami—hands-on, client-focused, and grounded in practical experience. It’s a natural fit.”
With the acquisition now official as of March 31, 2025, Makami plans to build on RA’s strengths while introducing a broader suite of services, including electrical, mechanical, and design-based specialty engineering.
“Our goal is to make sure RA’s clients continue to receive the same great service they’re used to, but now with even more resources and capabilities behind it,” said David Darling, Partner and Engineering Manager. “We’re looking forward to what we can accomplish together.”
But Makami’s approach isn’t just about projects and partnerships—it’s also about people. The company’s culture emphasizes balance, collaboration, and well-being. Its Sudbury headquarters includes a restaurant-style kitchen, table tennis, and even an on-site gym—elements that reflect a workplace focused on more than just deadlines.
“We believe in creating an environment where people feel motivated, respected, and happy to come to work,” said Levac. “It makes a big difference in the quality of what we deliver.”
From Engineers-in-Training to senior professionals with decades of field experience, Makami’s diverse team is united by a shared commitment to delivering smart, efficient solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Whether it’s a municipal project, a mining operation, or a custom inspection service, Makami Engineering brings the experience, energy, and personal connection that northern communities value—and this latest expansion is a sign of even more to come.
