About Us

About Camblin Mechanical of Atlantic, IA

In need of commercial HVAC installation? Contact Camblin Mechanical of Atlantic, IA, by calling 712-243-1535.

Our Story

For three generations, Camblin’s has provided the very best in quality mechanical installation and service at a reasonable price. We take pride in our tradition of assembling teams of skilled craftsmen to tackle even the most challenging projects in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner. We are also proud of our commitment to new technology, such as “design-build” and computer-aided drafting.

The latest technology allows our projects to flow smoothly from design and fabrication to installation and startup. Our unique location allows us to focus on Southwest Iowa and service clients throughout the Midwest. Whether you are just around the corner or in another state, we have the experience, personnel, and professionalism to complete your job on time and within budget.

From industrial manufacturing facilities and apartment complexes to schools and medical facilities, Camblin’s can get the job done in a manner reminiscent of the “good old days.”
Old Photo Of Workers — Atlantic, IA — Camblin Mechanical Inc
1918
Lou Camblin founds Camblin Plumbing and Heating after World War 1 using a $1,000 loan he received from his mother.
1922
Camblin Plumbing and Heating moves out of Lou’s house into the basement of the Wood and Savery Abstract Office at 6th and Chestnut Street.
1929
The stock market crashes. Business holds together through the crash till 1933.
1933
Lou’s son, Wayne, begins to work for the family business.
1939
World War II begins. Wayne Camblin leaves the business to do defense work.
1945
After the war ends, Camblin Plumbing and Heating moves to 307 Chestnut Street, where it is still located.
1953
Lou Camblin passes away and Wayne buys and takes over running the business.
1966
Bob Camblin, Wayne’s oldest son, begins to work for the family business, eventually becoming the vice president and general manager.
1969
Camblin Plumbing and Heating Incorporates
1976
Bob Camblin meets with the Governor of Iowa, Robert D. Ray.
1978
Camblin secures their first $1 million job in Atlantic at the Gould Factory.
1982
Camblin secures a project at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Camblin’s first out of state job.
1983
The business expands to a second office in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to serve that region of the midwest.
1990
The Atlantic location is doing so well with a number of big projects that Camblin closes the Kansas office
1998
Camblin Plumbing and Heating divides into two corporations. The residential division becomes Camblin Plumbing and Heating Inc. and the commercial division becomes Camblin Mechanical Inc.
2016
Camblin continues to serve the Southwest Iowa region as the preferred Commercial heating, cooling and plumbing provider.
2017
In May 2017 we moved to our new offices and the Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors performed the ribbon cutting at the new location.
2018
Camblin Mechanical celebrates 100 year anniversary

Our Team

Robert Camblin — Atlantic, IA — Camblin Mechanical Inc
Robert Camblin
Chairman of the Board

Robert (Bob) Camblin is third generation Camblin to operate Camblin Mechanical. Through junior and senior high school, he helped his father, Wayne, with projects. After high school, he attended Simpson College and graduated with a degree in math and physics; still returning to help at Camblin’s during his breaks after Simpson College, Bob enlisted in the Navy and reported to OCS in Newport, RI. After OCS, Bob has commissioned an Ensign in the Navy with an engineering duty designator. He served aboard the USS Yorktown (CVS-10) for one year as Main Engines Officer and then at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a Ship Superintendent for 2 ½ years. When his term was up, Bob enrolled in Iowa State University – graduating with distinction in 1965 with a Mechanical Engineering degree. After working for one year for Iowa Illinois Gas & Electric in their power plant engineering division, Bob joined his father full-time and started the process of becoming the current President of Camblin Mechanical, Inc.
Randy Watts — Atlantic, IA — Camblin Mechanical Inc
Randy Watts
President, Chief Operations Officer

Randy started working on an Iowa farm in junior high school and stayed on to help with operations for nearly 20 years as a herdsman and farrowing operations manager. After high school, Randy went on to trade school to become a Certified Diesel Mechanic. He used this training on the farm and as a mechanic in his repair shop. In 1994, he started working for Camblin Mechanical as a mechanical installer. Over the next 18 years, he progressed into a lead man, foreman, and eventually estimator and project manager. In 2000, Randy became a Shareholder in Camblin Mechanical Inc and began working closely with Bob Camblin, eventually acquiring the skills necessary to become the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2012.

Join Our Team

We offer a 4-year paid on-the-job apprenticeship with competitive employee benefits.
Join our team and learn why Camblin is the preferred plumbing, heating, and geothermal provider in the Southwest Iowa region.
Learn More

For professional commercial HVAC services, contact our team today by calling 712-243-1535.

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