Legacy Of Innovation: The Past And Future Of VMI Inc.
VMI Inc. has long been an enduring presence in the dredging industry. Based in Cushing, Okla., and originally founded in Oklahoma City, the company was reestablished in its current facility in 1989 by Gene Maitlen, the grandfather of current president Cash Maitlen. Historically, VMI has produced both cutter suction and horizontal head-style dredges, focusing on small, horizontal dredges particularly suited for environmental and industrial applications. Now, the company is moving into a new phase of growth and innovation under Maitlen’s leadership.
VMI’s roots run deep in horizontal dredging technology, often referred to as auger-style dredges. The company distinguished itself early on with compact, robust machines suited for tight quarters, shallow depths and environmentally-sensitive jobs.
“My family has always been very involved with horizontal style dredges,” Maitlen said. “We have always called them horizontal dredges because we do not use auger flighting on the head. We use a horizontally mounted cutter system.”
Over time, the company’s offerings expanded to include other dredging products, pipe, repair, service and parts support for customers worldwide. In recent years, the business has seen significant growth. Compared to just four years ago, the company has more than doubled in size.
“It has to grow naturally with demand,” Maitlen said. “But the biggest challenge is finding skilled labor. Everyone in the industry is facing that.”
Introducing The Titan: A Modular Future
VMI is building its future on innovation, most notably with the introduction of its new Titan cutter suction dredge. Titan is a transformable dredge built around a novel concept developed in-house called the Transformable Integrated Modular System, or TIMS. The patent-pending technology enables Titan to be shipped in smaller components and assembled in the water using a smaller-than-normal crane, which drastically reduces costs and boosts flexibility.
“The pontoons can be assembled on shore and set in the water,” Maitlen said. “Then, the entire center section is set between them and fastens from the deck. No underwater work is required. It makes transportation and assembly much easier.”
The design also breaks down into legal-sized, truckable loads and can be containerized for international shipment or storage.
More than just transportable, Titan is also built for flexibility on the job site.
“It can be shortened for a maximum digging depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters) or expanded to dig as deep as 51.25 feet (15.9 meters),” Maitlen said. “It’s modular in function, not just form. Contractors can configure the dredge with spuds, tail winches and other options based on the demands of each project.”
Enhanced Technology And Operator Experience
On the technology side, VMI has updated Titan’s onboard systems and controls to include a new touchscreen display that offers real-time operational data. The unit is larger, more vibrant and designed to support remote operation—an extension of the systems already proven on VMI’s smaller dredges. The controls outside the display are placed at the operator’s fingertips on the seat armrests, offering comfort and ease of use.
“A comfortable operator is a happy operator,” Maitlen said. “Our focus is to provide more operational data and comfort for the operator transitioning into more productivity for the owner.
While the dredge does contain some automated features, it still retains manual operating controls, offering the operator a choice between automated or manual operation.
While the system was designed specifically for VMI machines, Maitlen acknowledged the potential to market it more broadly.
“We never thought about that,” he said. “But absolutely, it could work on other dredges. It is just not something we have explored.”
All Titan models are compatible with VMI’s existing control systems, enabling consistency across product lines and simplified maintenance.
“We stuck with a lot of the same proven components,” Maitlen said. “That helps us with support and also gives customers confidence in the system.”
In today’s uncertain supply chain environment, Maitlen emphasized the importance of planning ahead, a practice VMI has embraced.
“If we have all the parts on hand, we can build products fairly quickly,” he said. “The lead times from suppliers are unpredictable, so we have taken that into great consideration and planned accordingly, even for this brand-new model.”
VMI’s strategy reduces customer downtime and allows the company to offer flexible delivery timelines.
Beyond equipment, Maitlen is also committed to increasing VMI’s engagement in the industry through organizations and events like Western Dredge Association meetings and WODCON (World Dredging Congress & Exposition), held in June in San Diego.
“My family did not do a lot of outreach or conferences in the past,” he said, “but I’ve always believed in being involved in the industry and with people that revolve around your business.”
That decision is already paying dividends.
“It’s eye-opening,” Maitlen said of attending WODCON. “You walk into a room and everyone knows what you’re talking about. The camaraderie is incredible. Everyone wants to see the industry succeed.”
As VMI expands its product lines, facilities and workforce, the focus remains on the company’s legacy of durability and customer service and its commitment to cutting-edge innovation.
“Our goal is to build smart, flexible equipment that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges, while continuing to support the industry that got us here,” Maitlen said.
Featured image caption: VMI Inc.’s new Titan cutter suction dredge is craned onto its pontoons. VMI’s Titan dredge is built around a novel concept developed in-house called the Transformable Integrated Modular System, or TIMS. (Photo courtesy of VMI Inc.)
