KD Engineering Co. By Natalie Bruckner
Photos by KD Engineering
Today, the value that independent Testing, Adjusting & Balancing (TAB) services bring to our industry is well documented and understood. However, back in 1967, when Peter Kingsland and Alexander Douglas established KD Engineering Co., the idea was just being explored. It wasn’t until many years later that TAB certification standards would be set in place for the HVAC industry. But Kingsland “K” and Douglas “D,” being the visionaries they were, saw early on the need for TAB services for the future success of the building mechanical and HVAC systems industry. They decided to take it upon themselves to be at the forefront of the movement and raise the industry’s bar. “As engineers working in the mechanical design sector of the industry, they recognized the importance of TAB, and so they moved out west with their young families and started one of the first TAB agencies in British Columbia,” says Arno Tatto, president and general manager, who has been at KD Engineering
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Sheet Metal Journal
now for more than 40 years. “Their philosophy was to build accountable, professional relationships with building owners, consultants, and contractors alike.” In the 55 years that KD Engineering has been in business, it’s team has witnessed some big changes in the industry, and the business has weathered many economic storms. Yet it has continued to grow in size and reputation. “Our ability as a company to evolve with the changes in the industry with the use of technology and by offering enhanced services has been key to our success,” Tatto says. “As an example, back in the early days we branched into compiling mechanical operating and maintenance manuals and started our commissioning division in 1979.” But it’s more than that. KD Engineering understands that they are in the business of people, and that in order to succeed you need to take care of your team first—this principle has
