Business Details
42 Years
experience
Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Solutions
West Plains Engineering has been a leading mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and power solution center in the Upper Midwest for over 40 years. Founded in 1984 by graduates of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and South Dakota State University, we began as a small firm in Rapid City and expanded to regional offices in Sioux Falls, Casper, and Cedar Rapids while maintaining our small-business ethos. Our team of 30+ engineers holds active registrations in over a dozen Midwest states, combining deep regional expertise with national technical standards. We specialize in designing mechanical and electrical systems for diverse building environments, from K-12 schools to industrial facilities, prioritizing client relationships alongside technical excellence. Our engineers maintain strong local connections, understanding that our home is also our clients' home.We offer comprehensive services including HVAC, plumbing, power distribution, sustainable design, and electrical specialties like arc flash analysis. With decades of experience in both new construction and renovation projects, we deliver solutions that balance innovation with practicality. Our commitment to progress is reflected in our updated branding while honoring foundational values of hard work, integrity, and trust. We serve clients across air transportation, healthcare, education, and entertainment sectors, ensuring every project meets modern demands. Through our bi-monthly newsletter Plains Talk and active community engagement, we maintain transparency and foster lasting partnerships.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Power Solutions
Electrical Specialties
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of engineering experience in the Upper Midwest
- Our team includes 30+ licensed engineers with multi-state registrations
- We maintain active professional connections across all Midwest states
- We combine technical expertise with personalized client relationships
- We offer comprehensive services from HVAC to sustainable design
Services
Mechanical Engineering
We design comprehensive mechanical systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing for commercial and industrial buildings. Our engineers optimize temperature controls and fire suppression systems while prioritizing energy efficiency. With expertise in medical gas systems and life safety code compliance, we deliver solutions that balance functionality with sustainability for both new construction and renovation projects.
Electrical Engineering
Our electrical engineering services cover power distribution, lighting design, and communication infrastructure for diverse facilities. We implement fire alarm systems, security solutions, and lightning protection while ensuring code compliance. From standby power systems to specialized electrical needs, our engineers deliver reliable infrastructure that supports modern building requirements while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainable practices through LEED certification support, solar array implementation, and energy-efficient system design. Our team specializes in geothermal HVAC, battery storage solutions, and wind turbine interconnection. By combining traditional engineering principles with innovative green technologies, we help clients reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational effectiveness across various building types.
People
Marty Christensen
President
As President and Principal Mechanical Engineer, Marty leads West Plains Engineering's strategic direction while maintaining hands-on technical involvement. With over 35 years in the industry, he ensures our engineering solutions combine innovation with practical application for client success.
Daren Beckloff
Engineering & Operations Director
Daren oversees engineering operations and manages our Power Division, bringing technical expertise in electrical systems and project management. With active engineering licenses in multiple states, he ensures our teams deliver solutions that meet both regional needs and national standards.
Questions
What engineering services does West Plains offer?
We provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and power engineering services including HVAC systems, electrical distribution, sustainable design, and specialized electrical analysis for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
How long has West Plains Engineering been in business?
We've been serving clients since 1984, providing engineering solutions for over 40 years with offices in four Midwestern locations while maintaining our small-business client focus.
What industries do you serve?
We work across diverse sectors including education, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment venues, handling projects from K-12 schools to complex industrial facilities.
Are your engineers licensed professionals?
Yes, our team includes 30+ licensed professional engineers with active registrations in all Midwest states, ensuring compliance with local and national engineering standards.
