Michels Corp. Merges Mi-Tech, J.D. Hair & Associates

Michels Corp. announces the merger of J.D. Hair & Associates Inc. and Mi-Tech Services Inc. The new organization will operate as Mi-Tech and immediately deliver an expanded suite of services to clients.

This strategic merger marks a major milestone. It combines decades of expertise across trenchless, structural, utility, and infrastructure engineering, design, and construction. The firms unite under the Michels Family of Companies, an international leader in energy and infrastructure construction. This positions the firm to deliver unmatched capabilities and value to clients.

“By joining forces, we are not only expanding Mi-Tech’s technical capabilities, but we are also enhancing the value we deliver to customers through broader service offerings and increased opportunities for advanced alternative delivery solutions,” says Pat Michels, president and CEO of Michels Corp. 

Expanding Service Capabilities

Mi-Tech got its start in 1985 as Data-Tel Communications. In 1999, Michels acquired Data-Tel and renamed it Mi-Tech Services Inc. Since then, Mi-Tech has grown to more than 200 employees across eight offices. Its services include telecommunications, energy design, surveying, land services, laboratory services and a variety of construction services.

J.D. Hair & Associates got its start in 1987 and is a pioneer in trenchless engineering and design, specializing in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and underground infrastructure solutions. Michels acquired J.D. Hair & Associates in 2021. Its portfolio includes geotechnical and structural engineering services. The firm has grown to 35 employees across four offices. It was recently recognized by Trenchless Technology magazine as one of the Top 50 Trenchless Engineering Firms in North America.

The newly integrated firm is positioned to deliver comprehensive support across multiple industries. It focuses sharply on efficiency, constructability, and long-term value. As part of the Michels Family of Companies, Mi-Tech partners with an internationally respected team to provide end-to-end solutions for complex, multi-faceted projects. It upholds the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.

Tim Babich, previously vice president of engineering at Michels, has been appointed president of Mi-Tech. Since joining Michels in 2018, Babich has brought nearly two decades of engineering and construction expertise to the organization. Most importantly, all employees from both firms have been retained and unified within the combined organization. This ensures seamless continuity of service and safeguards the deep institutional knowledge that clients trust and depend on.

“Merging J.D. Hair & Associates with Mi-Tech is a natural evolution of our shared commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability,” says Babich. “Together, our team brings complementary expertise that enables us to address complex utility and infrastructure challenges with greater resources, efficiency, and innovation.”

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