Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Engineering Partner in the Upper Midwest
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 client-focused ethos. Our team of 30+ engineers, including professional engineers registered in over a dozen Midwest states, delivers exceptional design and construction solutions for mechanical, electrical, and power systems across diverse building environments. We prioritize innovation through advanced technologies like 3D modeling and Revit, ensuring energy-efficient, code-compliant systems tailored to client needs. Our services span HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, lighting design, power distribution, and specialized electrical solutions, supported by decades of regional expertise and a commitment to long-term client relationships.We emphasize sustainable design practices, including LEED certification, solar arrays, and geothermal HVAC, to address evolving environmental standards. Our Power Division specializes in transmission, substations, and wind turbine interconnection, leveraging 3D modeling to minimize construction challenges. With a focus on safety and efficiency, our Electrical Specialties team conducts arc flash analysis, infrared thermography, and power factor correction to mitigate risks. We maintain active industry connections through our regional presence and publish technical insights via our bi-monthly newsletter, Plains Talk. Our reputation for technical excellence and client service has made us a trusted partner for construction and renovation projects across the Midwest.
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 professional engineers
- We maintain active registrations in over a dozen Midwest states
- We offer comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and power solutions
- We combine advanced 3D modeling with practical construction expertise
What people say
Technical expertise
Regional knowledge
Long-term relationships
Code-compliant solutions
Advanced modeling
Services
Mechanical Engineering
We design comprehensive mechanical systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing solutions. Our engineers utilize advanced 3D modeling to optimize energy efficiency and system performance for commercial and industrial buildings. With expertise in fire suppression and medical gas systems, we deliver code-compliant, sustainable mechanical solutions tailored to client needs.
Electrical Engineering
Our electrical engineering services cover lighting design, power distribution, and communication systems for modern buildings. We specialize in emergency power solutions, security systems, and theatrical lighting while ensuring compliance with safety codes. Our team provides complete electrical design from initial concept through construction administration for diverse facility types.
Power Solutions
We offer transmission and distribution system design, substation engineering, and wind turbine interconnection services. Our power experts utilize PLS CAD modeling to optimize grid performance and reliability. From feasibility studies to construction management, we deliver cost-effective power infrastructure solutions for utility and industrial clients across the Midwest.
Electrical Specialties
Our specialists conduct arc flash studies, infrared thermography, and power quality analysis to enhance electrical system safety. We provide protective device coordination and distribution equipment evaluations to minimize risks in commercial and industrial facilities. These services help clients maintain safe, code-compliant electrical systems while reducing operational hazards.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainable practices through LEED certification consulting, photovoltaic solar arrays, and geothermal HVAC systems. Our engineers design energy-efficient building systems that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance standards. From battery storage solutions to wind turbine interconnection, we help clients achieve their sustainability goals through innovative engineering.
People
Marty Christensen
President / Principal Mechanical Engineer
With over 35 years in engineering, Marty leads West Plains' mechanical engineering team. He ensures technical excellence while maintaining client relationships that have driven the firm's growth since its founding in 1984.
Daren Beckloff
Engineering & Operations Director / Power Division Manager
Daren oversees engineering operations and manages the Power Division. His expertise in power systems and leadership ensures the firm delivers comprehensive electrical infrastructure solutions across the Midwest region.
Todd Weidner
Electrical Specialties Manager / Principal Electrical Engineer
Todd leads electrical specialties, focusing on complex power systems and safety analysis. With decades of experience, he directs teams in delivering specialized electrical engineering solutions for commercial and industrial clients.
Mike Drahos
Cedar Rapids Office Manager
Mike manages the Cedar Rapids office operations, ensuring regional project execution aligns with the firm's quality standards. His leadership maintains consistent service delivery across all West Plains Engineering locations.
Ben Sonichsen
BIM Director
Ben leads BIM implementation across projects, optimizing 3D modeling workflows. Since joining in 2020, he has developed corporate processes that enhance design accuracy and construction coordination for client projects.
Questions
What engineering services does West Plains offer?
We provide mechanical, electrical, power, and electrical specialty engineering services for commercial and industrial projects across the Midwest.
How long has West Plains Engineering been in business?
We've served clients since 1984, with our founding engineers establishing the firm in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Where does West Plains Engineering operate?
We have offices in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Casper, and Cedar Rapids, serving clients throughout the Upper Midwest region.
What industries do you work with?
We serve diverse sectors including education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, and energy infrastructure projects.
Do you handle sustainable design projects?
Yes, we offer LEED certification consulting, solar arrays, geothermal HVAC, and other sustainable engineering solutions.
How do you ensure project quality?
We combine 3D modeling technology with experienced engineers and maintain active professional registrations to ensure code compliance and technical excellence.
