Since 1972, VMI Dredges has manufactured premium dredging equipment engineered for operational reliability, reduced downtime, and long-term value in demanding dredging applications worldwide. From municipalities and waterways to mining, industrial, environmental, and infrastructure operations, VMI systems are built to perform in real-world conditions.
VMI has a proud history in the dredging industry starting in 1972.
In 1972, Gene Maitlen and Bob Vaughn got into the dredge manufacturing business in a Quonset hut near their Case Equipment dealership in Oklahoma City. Bob, Gene, and Randy Maitlen, Gene’s son, decided to become serious about building quality dredges and created Vaughn-Maitlen Industries (VMI), Inc. The VMI, Inc. plant was located in several locations during the next four years until 1976, when the production facilities finally settled in Bethany, Oklahoma.
Dredging enhancements were soon incorporated into the VMI line of dredging equipment.
Bigger and better dredges were soon added to the VMI line and a network of distributors was set up. As one of the most recognized dredge manufacturers, VMI, Inc. began to sell VMI dredges worldwide and an international salesman was added to their staff.
Increased demand created the need for a new improved production facility.
By 1989 VMI had outgrown its current plant capacity and a decision was made to build a new production facility in Cushing, Oklahoma. The new production facility was specifically built for manufacturing dredges. In 1997 Bob Vaughn’s stock was purchased by Gene Maitlen and his two sons, Tony and Randy, making VMI exclusively owned by the Maitlen name.
Increased manufacturing space to meet demand.
In 2007 VMI's facility was expanded to include additional manufacturing and parts storage space for increased capacity. At the end of 2019 VMI introduced a new logo to better reflect the company name and image going forward.
Capabilities for testing dredges and booster pumps improved.
In 2020 VMI's testing and training capabilities were enhanced to improve product innovation and better serve the needs of customers. Additional parts storage capacity was also increased to expand the availability of in stock items. VMI remains a privately owned and operated business.
VMI Dredges was founded in 1972 when Gene Maitlen and Bob Vaughn began manufacturing dredging equipment in Oklahoma with a vision focused on building reliable, field-proven systems for demanding applications. As operational demands increased across the dredging industry, VMI expanded its capabilities, manufacturing facilities, and product offerings to better serve customers worldwide. From the early years of manufacturing in Oklahoma City and Bethany to the purpose-built production facility in Cushing, Oklahoma, VMI has remained committed to engineering dredging systems focused on operational performance, reliability, and long-term value. Today, VMI manufactures dredging equipment for contractors, municipalities, mining operations, industrial facilities, environmental remediation projects, waterways, and infrastructure applications worldwide. VMI systems are engineered to support uptime, production efficiency, simplified maintenance, and demanding real-world operating conditions. As a privately owned and operated company spanning multiple generations of the Maitlen family, VMI continues to focus on manufacturing quality dredging equipment while supporting customers through operational experience, technical knowledge, training, service, and long-term support.
VMI is committed to producing and servicing dredges and dredging equipment for various applications domestically and internationally. The company has produced dredging equipment for the dredging industry for over 50 years and is committed to the highest quality of manufacturing, engineering, and service to its customers. VMI aims to achieve the highest possible quality by implementing a quality management system that complies with the international standard of good practice BS EN ISO 9001:2015. This includes VMI’s commitment to meet the requirements of our customers, listen and learn from customer feedback, as well as meeting legal and regulatory requirements. VMI also strives to be an industry leader in design and development of products for the dredging industry, through the utilization of a systematic and data-driven approach to meet the needs of the market and our customers. The top management of VMI Inc. along with supervisors and staff are responsible for the quality of their work and providing the best products and services to our clientele. All VMI employees strive to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.
In demanding dredging operations, uptime, reliability, and operational efficiency matter. VMI Dredges focuses on manufacturing dredging systems designed to support long-term operational performance while helping customers reduce downtime and maximize productivity.
From engineering and manufacturing to training, parts, service, and operational support, VMI works to provide customers with solutions built for real-world dredging environments.
VMI values our customers and what they have to say. Please see what some of our clients say about VMI.
VMI gets better and better each year. VMI has A1 products!
Earl, Jimco Employee
We have had a great relationship with VMI. They always have what we need - parts, dredges, etc.
Billy, Jimco Employee
VMI Dredges deliver reliable performance, superior support, and dependable operation in demanding environments.
Duwaine, Jimco Employee
VMI has a proud history in the dredging industry and seeks to continue providing customers worldwide with products and services to solve their dredging and sludge handling needs.
President
Sales Manager
Production Manager
Assembly Foreman
Shipping and Receiving/Inventory Control
Quality Manager
Office Manager
Graphic Artist
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