About Us

Our History

In 1946, Kenneth M. McGhie a professional Civil Engineer, began working in Rochester, Minnesota.  In the decade that followed, Mr. McGhie focused on municipal engineering and airport improvement projects by working for private and public clients throughout southeast Minnesota.

In the 1950s, the company continued to practice in the field of civil engineering with both private and public clients. Services offered were also expanded into airport improvement projects. During the first 20 years, both municipal improvements and private residential projects were designed and inspected by the firm. During these early years many engineers, surveyors and technicians gained the experience that lead to their future engineering careers in both the private and public sectors of the region.

In the 1960s, the firm doubled in size and completed work on nearly a dozen airport projects in southeast Minnesota. In 1966, one former employee, Doug Betts rejoined the firm and the business was reorganized as McGhie & Betts, Inc.

In the 1970s, the firm concentrated on many wastewater treatment and water supply and distribution systems, street improvement plans, and provided airports with continued services for improvements.

In the 1980s, the firm’s planning department completed several thousand acres of residential development and drafted many ordinances for municipalities.  The firm completed the material testing, staking, and surveying needed for the expansion of downtown Rochester, Minnesota and also the expansion of the Rochester International Airport.

In 1988, William E. Tointon, President, James E. Swanson, Vice-President, and David L. Morrill, Vice-President became sole stockholders of McGhie & Betts, Inc. Mr. Tointon and Mr. Morrill continue to be active in the daily operation of the firm, provide project managment, and maintain business development and the high level of client service that McGhie & Betts is known for.

In the 1990s, branch offices were opened in Bozeman, Montana, Northfield, Minnesota and a sister company, McGhie & Betts Environmental Services, Inc. (MBESI) was formed in 1991.  The volume of services tripled during this decade and McGhie & Betts Transportation Services, Inc. (MBTSI) was incorporated in 2006 to serve our expanding air and ground transportation business.  These companies work together to provide the technical expertise required by an individual project.

Today, McGhie & Betts, Inc. (MBI) offers clients more than 65 years of engineering, surveying and planning experience.  The firm currently practices in the fields of land surveying, urban-land planning, consulting-civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction material testing, landscape architecture and aviation planning.                

MBI has been instrumental in the design, development and construction of facilities throughout Southeastern Minnesota and the upper Midwest.  Client satisfaction resulting from quality service is evident based on the high volume of repeat business.

In the future, MBI will make every effort to maintain a high level of service while meeting the changing needs of our clients and our environment.  Our projects will represent a broad base of services including residential, institutional, commercial, and institutional work.  We look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead for our clients.

Even though we have seven decades of experience on our side, we continually look for ways to improve and provide our clients with new and improved technology. We understand that you want the best value you can possibly get when deciding on your consultant. It is Our Commitment to provide you with the best service you could possibly expect from you professional consultants. Thank you for your consideration.