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 four regional offices while maintaining our commitment to personalized service. Our team of 30+ engineers holds active registrations in over a dozen states, combining deep regional expertise with technical excellence to deliver tailored solutions for diverse building environments. We prioritize client relationships as much as technical precision, ensuring designs meet both functional needs and long-term sustainability goals. With specialized divisions in mechanical, electrical, power, and electrical specialties, we provide comprehensive engineering services for projects ranging from K-12 schools to industrial facilities.Our engineers actively contribute to industry advancements through sustainable design practices, including LEED certification, solar arrays, and geothermal HVAC systems. Backed by decades of experience and a reputation for reliability, we serve as a trusted partner for clients seeking innovative engineering solutions. Our regional presence in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Casper, and Cedar Rapids allows us to combine local knowledge with national standards of excellence. We maintain transparency through our bi-monthly newsletter, Plains Talk, and actively engage with clients via personalized consultations. This enduring focus on quality, integrity, and client-centric service continues to define our approach as we address evolving engineering challenges.
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 states
- We combine technical expertise with personalized client service
- We specialize in sustainable design solutions for modern buildings
Services
Mechanical Engineering
We design heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing systems for commercial and industrial buildings. Our engineers optimize temperature controls and fire suppression systems while ensuring energy efficiency. With expertise in medical gas systems and indoor air quality, we deliver solutions that meet ASHRAE standards and local code requirements.
Electrical Engineering
Our electrical engineering covers lighting design, power distribution, and security systems for diverse facilities. We handle complex projects including lightning protection, communications infrastructure, and fire alarm systems. Our team ensures compliance with NEC standards while prioritizing system reliability and energy conservation.
Power Solutions
We specialize in substation design, transmission line engineering, and power distribution systems. Our services include transformer protection analysis and structural pole studies for utility companies. We provide solutions for both new infrastructure and upgrades to existing electrical grids, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Electrical Specialties
Our electrical specialties division offers arc flash analysis, power factor correction, and protective device coordination. We conduct infrared thermography inspections and selective coordination studies to enhance electrical system safety. These services help clients maintain OSHA compliance and prevent equipment failures in industrial settings.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainable practices through LEED certification consulting and renewable energy systems. Our team designs photovoltaic solar arrays, battery storage solutions, and geothermal HVAC systems. By combining energy analysis with innovative technologies, we help clients reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
People
Marty Christensen
President
As President and Principal Mechanical Engineer, Marty Christensen leads West Plains Engineering's strategic direction while maintaining active involvement in complex mechanical system designs for institutional projects.
Daren Beckloff
Engineering & Operations Director
Daren Beckloff oversees engineering operations and manages the Power Division, bringing extensive expertise in electrical infrastructure projects and utility-scale power system design to client engagements.
Todd Weidner
Electrical Specialties Manager
Todd Weidner directs electrical specialties services, specializing in power quality analysis and safety compliance assessments that help clients maintain reliable electrical systems across industrial and commercial facilities.
Mike Drahos
Cedar Rapids Office Manager
Mike Drahos leads the Cedar Rapids office, applying his engineering expertise to coordinate multidisciplinary projects while ensuring alignment with regional building codes and client requirements.
Mike Fisher
Sioux Falls Office Manager
As Sioux Falls Office Manager, Mike Fisher oversees local project execution while maintaining technical excellence in electrical engineering solutions for healthcare and educational facilities in eastern South Dakota.
Questions
What engineering services do you offer?
We provide mechanical, electrical, power, and electrical specialties engineering services for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings across the Upper Midwest.
How long have you been in business?
West Plains Engineering has served clients since 1984, providing engineering solutions for over 35 years with offices in four regional locations.
Which states do you serve?
We operate from four regional offices in Rapid City (SD), Sioux Falls (SD), Casper (WY), and Cedar Rapids (IA), serving clients throughout the Midwest.
Do you handle sustainable design projects?
Yes, we offer sustainable design services including LEED certification, solar arrays, and geothermal HVAC systems to help clients achieve energy efficiency goals.
