Deuchler Engineering merges with Fehr Graham

AURORA - Deuchler Engineering said it has joined Fehr Graham, a provider of engineering, environmental and funding solutions for commercial, industrial, institution and government clients with 11 Midwest office locations in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Collectively, the firm now employs nearly 200 people. Deuchler will keep its office at 230 Woodlawn Ave. in Aurora.

John Frerich and Mark Halm, professional engineers and the owners of Deuchler, said in a news release they decided to join Fehr Graham because the two firms share the same focus on providing value and innovative solutions to clients' problems.

"We wanted a firm with similar values and business acumen," Frerich said. "As Fehr Graham has grown over the years, it's maintained a small firm feel by being hyper responsive to their clients, which appealed to us because we are client-focused."

For Fehr Graham, Deuchler matched well with the firm's strategic growth plan. "We looked at the Fox River Valley market and liked what the Deuchler team has done to improve the quality of life in and around that region," said Mick Gronewold, Fehr Graham board chairman "Also, the Deuchler team is a good match culturally for Fehr Graham. Their technical skills and engineering and environmental know-how complement our diverse staff."

Deuchler has a long history in Aurora. In 1916, Walter Deuchler and his brother, Gustave, started Walter E. Deuchler Co. on LaSalle Street. The firm specialized in municipal engineering, and staff designed streets, bridges, dams, streetlights, water treatment plants and more for the city of Aurora. The business evolved and was known as Walter E. Deuchler and Associates before becoming Deuchler Engineering in 2019.