Stepping inside Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench in California, you don’t just see machines, you feel momentum. From the rhythmic pulse of the production floor to the confident hum of engineers explaining their craft, it’s clear that this is a place where innovation meets intention. The company’s expertise in Turboexpanders, a critical technology for energy recovery and industrial gas applications sets it apart globally, but it’s the people behind the products who make this operation truly remarkable.
At the heart of this story is Kelli D’Mar, who embodies the blend of technical excellence and human connection that defines the Atlas Copco culture. Now serving as Campaign and Content Specialist for the Gas and Process Division, Kelli’s journey began over a decade ago as a project management assistant, a temporary role that quickly became a career calling.
“I came in through a temp agency,” she shared, “and worked my way into project management before eventually joining our divisional team. Mentorship has always been a big part of our culture here, and I’ve had the chance to mentor many women over the years. It’s been incredibly rewarding.”
That spirit of mentorship and empowerment resonates throughout the facility. In an industry often defined by precision and process, Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench stands out for its human element, the way its people grow, collaborate, and support one another. Kelli smiled as she recalled recruiting one of her colleagues from her own high school days. “We love it here, and then we pull in people that we love. It’s a supportive culture that starts from within.”
Engineering Excellence with Purpose
While the people set the tone, the technology at Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench tells a powerful story of innovation. The team designs and manufactures Expander Compressors, which play a vital role in energy recovery, natural gas processing, and petrochemical processes around the world. These machines combine expander and compressor functionality into one efficient, robust, and reliable package with advanced magnetic bearing shafts that allow them to operate without friction literally levitating as they spin at speeds reaching up to 80,000 RPM.
This kind of precision engineering requires not only technical expertise but also a relentless commitment to quality. Every component is tested, every process fine-tuned, and every improvement viewed through the lens of performance and reliability. But even the most advanced technology can’t function without a team that believes in continuous learning and shared success.
That’s where people like Nicole Wahl come in. Nicole, who now works in Research and Development for Aerodynamics, started at Atlas Copco in 2012 straight out of Cal Poly. Over the years, she’s transitioned from applications and sales to design, and eventually into R&D, a journey made possible by the company’s investment in professional development.
“Atlas Copco provided on-the-job training in computational fluid dynamics and aerodynamics,” she explained. “They gave me the tools and the time to learn, and now I get to be part of projects that are shaping the future of energy.”
Driving the Future of Energy
Innovation at Atlas Copco isn’t just about what’s being built today; it’s about anticipating the needs of tomorrow. While the company’s history is rooted in oil and gas, its R&D teams are increasingly focused on emerging sectors like hydrogen, geothermal energy, and energy recovery.
“Atlas Copco has always been an energy company,” Nicole said. “It’s exciting to see how we’re expanding into cleaner technologies and helping shape a more sustainable future. We’re not just adapting to change, we’re leading it.”
This forward-thinking mindset reflects a broader truth about the industrial sector: energy innovation requires collaboration. Companies that are opening their doors, sharing their expertise, and telling their stories are the ones inspiring the next generation of engineers, technicians, and leaders.
That’s the purpose behind Empowering Pumps & Equipment’s Industry Access initiative: to bridge the gap between people and process, showing what’s possible when industry operates with transparency and passion. What stood out most at Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench was not just the cutting-edge machinery, but the way teams worked with precision and pride, united by a shared mission.
A Culture that Powers Progress
If there’s one takeaway from the Industry Access visit, it’s that the strength of a company lies in its people. Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench’s engineers, technicians, and leaders exemplify what it means to combine innovation with integrity. Their approach to mentorship, training, and inclusion demonstrates that progress is built not only on technological advancements but also on human connection.
Walking through the facility, you can see that every department from machining to assembly to R&D operates like parts of a finely tuned machine. But it’s the culture of collaboration and trust that keeps everything moving forward.
“Seeing the future of energy through the eyes of the people who make it possible reminds me why Industry Access matters,” said Charli K. Matthews, CEO of Empowering Pumps & Equipment. “It’s about more than products or processes, it’s about people and purpose.”
That purpose is alive at Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench.
Watch the tour on YouTube
