Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Engineering Solutions for Mechanical, Electrical, and Power Systems
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 commitment to personalized service. Our team of 30+ engineers holds active registrations in over a dozen states, combining deep regional knowledge with technical expertise to deliver exceptional design solutions. We specialize in mechanical and electrical systems for diverse building environments, including healthcare, education, industrial, and sustainable design projects. Our reputation is built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and trust, ensuring our designs reflect both technical excellence and client needs.With decades of experience in power solutions, electrical specialties, and sustainable systems like solar arrays and geothermal HVAC, we provide comprehensive engineering services tailored to modern challenges. Our clients benefit from our proven track record in complex projects, from university renovations to high-tech manufacturing facilities. As a company rooted in the Midwest, we prioritize long-term relationships and community connections, ensuring every project aligns with local requirements and industry standards. Our bi-monthly newsletter, Plains Talk, highlights our innovative approaches to engineering challenges, while our active presence on professional networks keeps clients informed of our latest achievements. Through consistent growth and unwavering dedication to quality, we continue to serve as a trusted partner for engineering solutions that stand the test of time.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Power Solutions
Electrical Specialties
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of engineering experience in mechanical and electrical systems.
- Our team includes 30+ licensed engineers with regional expertise.
- We specialize in sustainable design, including LEED certification and solar arrays.
- Our engineers hold active registrations in all Midwest states.
- We maintain a small-business focus on client relationships despite national reach.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
We design heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing systems for commercial and industrial buildings. Our expertise includes fire suppression, temperature controls, and medical gas systems. With decades of experience, we ensure energy efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
Electrical Engineering
Our electrical engineering services cover power distribution, lighting design, and security systems for diverse facilities. We specialize in complex infrastructure projects, ensuring reliable and code-compliant electrical solutions for new constructions and renovations.
Power Solutions
We provide substation design, transmission planning, and renewable energy integration. Our power engineers deliver grid-connected solutions for solar arrays, wind turbines, and battery storage systems, supporting sustainable energy goals.
Electrical Specialties
Our specialists conduct arc flash studies, infrared thermography, and power quality assessments. These services help prevent electrical hazards, optimize system performance, and ensure workplace safety compliance.
Sustainable Design
We integrate LEED-certified practices and renewable energy systems into building designs. Our sustainable solutions include solar arrays, geothermal HVAC, and energy storage systems that reduce environmental impact while maintaining functionality.
People
Marty Christensen
President
Marty Christensen leads West Plains Engineering as President and Principal Mechanical Engineer. With decades of experience in HVAC and plumbing systems, he oversees strategic growth while maintaining technical excellence in project delivery.
Daren Beckloff
Engineering & Operations Director
Daren Beckloff manages engineering operations and power division projects. A licensed professional engineer, he specializes in complex electrical infrastructure and ensures technical standards across all regional offices.
Todd Weidner
Electrical Specialties Manager
Todd Weidner directs electrical specialties services, including arc flash analysis and power quality assessments. His expertise in communication systems and infrastructure supports critical facility operations.
Mike Drahos
Cedar Rapids Office Manager
Mike Drahos leads the Cedar Rapids office, managing regional projects and client relationships. With extensive experience in electrical engineering, he ensures alignment with company-wide quality standards.
Ben Sonichsen
BIM Director
Ben Sonichsen oversees building information modeling processes. Promoted to BIM Director after refining corporate workflows, he enhances project coordination through digital design technologies.
Questions
What engineering services does West Plains Engineering offer?
We provide mechanical, electrical, power, and sustainable design services for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
How long has West Plains Engineering been in business?
We've delivered engineering solutions since 1984, with over 40 years of experience in the Upper Midwest.
Where are West Plains Engineering's offices located?
We operate from four regional offices in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Casper, and Cedar Rapids.
What industries does West Plains Engineering serve?
We work with healthcare, education, industrial, government, and commercial clients on diverse building projects.
Does West Plains Engineering handle sustainable design projects?
Yes, we specialize in LEED-certified designs, solar arrays, geothermal systems, and other sustainable engineering solutions.
Can West Plains Engineering support multi-state projects?
Our engineers hold licenses in all Midwest states, enabling seamless cross-border project execution.
