McGhie & Betts, Inc.

The History of McGhie & Betts

In 1946, the firm of Ken McGhie Professional Civil Engineer began to provide engineering services to public and private clients. Ken McGhie’s goal was to provide quality engineering and surveying services for communities and residents of Southeastern Minnesota.

Throughout the 1950’s and early 1960’s, 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 1966, one former employee, Doug Betts rejoined the firm. At this time, the business was reorganized as McGhie & Betts, Incorporated. During the 1960’s, the firm doubled in size partly due to the rapid growth in housing needs. This resulted in much of the company’s resources being directed to private residential subdivision planning, surveying and engineering requirements.

One of our founder’s commitments was to provide a full-service of specialties to his clients. In the 1970’s, the needs of many clients turned to wastewater treatment and water supply, thus many of the infrastructure improvements designed and inspected by McGhie & Betts, Inc. were wastewater treatment plants, water supply wells and water storage. The company continued to also provide airport and infrastructure improvements as well as maintaining its strong local client base of developers and builders active in the private housing market.

In 1988, the current company ownership was formed. William E. Tointon, President, James E. Swanson, Vice-President, and David L. Morrill, Vice-President became sole stockholders of McGhie & Betts, Inc. These three principals continue to be active in the daily operation of the firm, have management responsibilities for projects, and maintain business development and the high level of client service that McGhie & Betts, Inc. is known for.

The continued commitment to provide a full range of service to clients resulted in the incorporation of McGhie & Betts Environmental Services, Inc. in 1990. The increasing environmental regulations related to development and McGhie & Betts clients’ needs to understand and manage their environmental risk was addressed by the formation of this sister corporation. McGhie & Betts Environmental Services, Inc. continues to provide a staff of licensed geologists, soil scientists and engineers experienced in the environmental field.

Currently, McGhie & Betts’ staff includes Civil Engineers, Land Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Certified Planners. McGhie & Betts, Inc. continues to provide the full service, high quality and commitment to client needs that began over 60 years ago. This is evident by both our new and numerous repeat clients. We look forward to the opportunity to serve your needs.


Home Civil Engineering Land Survey Planning Landscape Architecture Geotechnical / CMT / Special Inspections MBESI Project Listing FTP History Contact Locations Rochester, MN Northfield, MN	The History of McGhie & Betts In 1946, the firm of Ken McGhie Professional Civil Engineer began to provide engineering services to public and private clients. Ken McGhie’s goal was to provide quality engineering and surveying services for communities and residents of Southeastern Minnesota. Throughout the 1950’s and early 1960’s, 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 1966, one former employee, Doug Betts rejoined the firm. At this time, the business was reorganized as McGhie & Betts, Incorporated. During the 1960’s, the firm doubled in size partly due to the rapid growth in housing needs. This resulted in much of the company’s resources being directed to private residential subdivision planning, surveying and engineering requirements. One of our founder’s commitments was to provide a full-service of specialties to his clients. In the 1970’s, the needs of many clients turned to wastewater treatment and water supply, thus many of the infrastructure improvements designed and inspected by McGhie & Betts, Inc. were wastewater treatment plants, water supply wells and water storage. The company continued to also provide airport and infrastructure improvements as well as maintaining its strong local client base of developers and builders active in the private housing market. In 1988, the current company ownership was formed. William E. Tointon, President, James E. Swanson, Vice-President, and David L. Morrill, Vice-President became sole stockholders of McGhie & Betts, Inc. These three principals continue to be active in the daily operation of the firm, have management responsibilities for projects, and maintain business development and the high level of client service that McGhie & Betts, Inc. is known for. The continued commitment to provide a full range of service to clients resulted in the incorporation of McGhie & Betts Environmental Services, Inc. in 1990. The increasing environmental regulations related to development and McGhie & Betts clients’ needs to understand and manage their environmental risk was addressed by the formation of this sister corporation. McGhie & Betts Environmental Services, Inc. continues to provide a staff of licensed geologists, soil scientists and engineers experienced in the environmental field. Currently, McGhie & Betts’ staff includes Civil Engineers, Land Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Certified Planners. McGhie & Betts, Inc. continues to provide the full service, high quality and commitment to client needs that began over 60 years ago. This is evident by both our new and numerous repeat clients. We look forward to the opportunity to serve your needs.	Featured Projects Mayo Woodlands 475- acre, conservation design located along the Zumbro River in southwest Rochester, MN. The Project includes 43 prairie lots and 80 village lots. Developer: Mayowood Enterprises LLC.See this project. Harvestview (Click Here) A 317-acre, mixed use land development including residential, commercial, and institutional uses located in Rochester, MN Developer: Bigelow Homes City of Chatfield, Minnesota Work completed includes Comprehensive Plan, Thoroughfare Plan, High Level Water, and Street Maintenance projects. See this project. Colonial Oaks A 170-acre rural project designed to incorporate seven existing wetlands, native prairies and woodlands. Mitigation plans and preservation of the environmentally sensitive areas on-site were key to the development. See this project.
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