Central Plains Diesel & Repair

About Us

Central Plains Diesel & Repair is not some large chain of garages. We were started by local Salina residents and continue to be run and staffed by local residents. We are proud to be extremely knowledgeable about the products and services that we offer and we are proud to be your neighbors. We started small but now strive to serve the diesel needs of all of Kansas. Central Plains Diesel & Repair is a full authorized Bosch Diesel Service Center. We offer diesel fuel injection system testing and repair. Also we carry a wide range of replacement parts for diesel equipment. We offer bumper to bumper service and repair on diesel trucks including industrial equipment. We've been in business for over 30 years.

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Under The Hood

Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?

Our shop is both heated and air conditioned.

What is the size of the team I’d be working with?

We work in a 10 person team -3 techs in the fuel shop -3 techs in the truck shop -3 in the office (including the owner) -1 Service Advisor

What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?

8:00-5:30 (Monday-Friday) No weekends!

What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?

All specialty tools and laptops will be provided. We have all OE diagnostic equipment provided. There are 3 lifts. We are all electronic and do everything through Google Drive.

What type of break room facility is provided?

The break room has a refrigerator, microwave, table, and chairs.

How many bays does your shop have?

5 full bays

How many repair orders do you average per month?

60-80; we are currently working on larger projects

What is your parts ordering process?

The techs provide the service advisor with the diagnosis and note which parts are needed. The service advisor will bring that information to the customer and order parts needed. All the tech has to worry about is reading the work order. While parts can be delivered overnight, we have a large inventory of parts in-house.

What is your policy on side work?

Employees can bring their personal or family vehicles in the shop after hours or weekends.

Are there any other unique features of the work environment worth noting?

We run a very clean facility, climate-controlled at 78 degrees. There is a 12 ft. fan in the truck shop to keep air flowing and to keep humidity down.

Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?

Yes, we will send technicians to Denver for hands-on training with Diesel Forward. We pay for 100% of the cost of training, including covering time off. Additionally, technicians are encouraged to participate in Zoom training.

Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?

We love to promote from within. We have technicians still here since the day we opened our doors in 2009! Bonuses are offered to those who are productive.

Can you describe your performance review process?

An annual performance discussion will occur to discuss progress, and we we are looking to make this a quarterly happening. Production reviews are conducted monthly.

What type of safety training is required?

There is no formal training.

Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?

We have a staff of 10 technicians and work together. More experienced technicians will work with younger techs, side by side, as time allows. This is all paid on-the-job training.

How does your shop get involved with the local community?

We are involved in charity donations and contribute to the cost of community activities.

Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?

Local colleges sometimes bring students to our shop for a tour and to ask our technicians questions. We enjoy connecting with potential new techs!

Is there anything else you’d like to mention about career development and community?

N/A

Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?

While in-person interviews are ideal, we may conduct phone screenings depending on the situation. This may happen if the candidate is out of the area and looking to relocate or if schedules are not lining up.

What do your in-person interviews entail?

The owner and service advisor conduct the interview. Questions asked will focus on experience, background, certifications, tools, and personality.

Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?

Personality questions are asked verbally during the interview process. A valid & clean driver's license is required. No background check or drug screen.

Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?

The interview process will explore a candidate's skill level, but there is not a physical skill assessment. There is a 90 probation period upon hire where a technician will be monitored to assess skill level.

After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?

The average time period is usually 7 days or less.

Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?

The average time period is about 7 days, depending on the negotiation process.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your hiring process?

N/A

Health Insurance Offered: Single plans (including dental) are 100% paid by the company. Coverage includes a prescription plan. The company provider is Blue Cross Blue Shield. Family plans are 75% paid by the company.
Dental Insurance Offered: Dental insurance is part of the health plan.
Vision Insurance Not Offered
Retirement Plan Offered: We offer a SIMPLE plan with a 3% match after 1 year of employment.
Sick Leave Offered: Sick leave is included in PTO, which is accrued over time: 1 week after one year 2 weeks after two years 3 weeks after 10 years
Vacation Offered: Vacation is included in PTO, which is accrued over time: 1 week after one year 2 weeks after two years 3 weeks after 10 years
Paid Holidays Offered: Paid holidays include New Years' Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
ST / LT Disability Offered: AFLAC and Heritage Life are available for individual employee plans, and these can be deducted from payroll.
Life Insurance Not Offered
Uniforms Offered: 10 pairs of pants and 10 shirts are provided.
Other Offered: -Employees get everything at cost when servicing personal vehicles. -We celebrate birthdays for all employees with a free breakfast pizza! -NO WEEKENDS!

Shop Talk

Do you offer any sort of tool reimbursement program for your techs? Or can you talk about what tools the shop provides?

We don't offer tool reimbursement at this time, however we don't require new technicians to have their own tools. The company does supply all the basic tools needed to complete apprentice jobs. The company also supplies all specialty tools including all diagnostic equipment.