Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Celebrating 25 Years of Welding Excellence

 Sparks and Steel: Celebrating 25 Years of Welding Excellence at VMI Dredges


Celebrating 25 Years of Welding Excellence


    Every industry has its heroes, those who work behind the scenes, holding everything together, laying the groundwork on which the entire organization stands. In the world of dredging, where the might of metal meets the power of water, few roles are as significant and integral as that of a welder. Today, we are privileged to celebrate one such hero who has completed 25 years of dedicated service at VMI Dredges: Don Williams.

Celebrating 25 Years of Welding Excellence


 25 years ago, a seasoned professional, armed with a welding mask and a passion for crafting steel, stepped into the shop of VMI Dredges. A quarter of a century later, his dedication and mastery of the craft has become the very foundations of our company’s reputation for building world-class, robust, and reliable dredging equipment.

    Don’s journey has been one of sparks and steel, a saga of grit and determination. Throughout his time at VMI Dredges, he has faced numerous challenges, from mastering the newest welding techniques to working on complex and large-scale projects. Each time, he rose to the occasion, his commitment to his craft unwavering, his contribution invaluable.

Celebrating 25 Years of Welding Excellence

    The role of a welder may often seem under appreciated in the grand scheme of things, but not here at VMI Dredges. We recognize the critical importance of every single bead of weld, every piece of equipment that is built, and every structure that is strengthened through the hands of our skilled welders. Don’s devotion to his craft has significantly contributed to the reliability and durability of our products, making VMI Dredges a trusted name in the dredging industry.

    Through his 25-year journey, Don has not only mastered the art and science of welding but also embraced and embodied the core values of VMI Dredges: dedication, quality, and innovation. He has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, moving with the ever-evolving technological advancements in welding techniques and equipment, thus ensuring our company remains at the cutting edge of industry standards.

Celebrating 25 Years of Welding Excellence

    Moreover, Don’s dedication extends beyond the workshop. As a mentor and guide, he has nurtured a generation of welders, sharing wisdom and professional ethics with the same passion he has for his craft. His unwavering commitment to fostering growth in his peers is a testament to his leadership and a significant part of his enduring legacy.

    Today, as we celebrate this 25-year milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Don. We are privileged and proud to work alongside someone with such tenacity, skill, and an undying passion for their craft. His ceaseless drive for excellence has left an indelible mark on VMI Dredges and has set a benchmark for all future welders who will follow in his footsteps.

Celebrating 25 Years of Welding Excellence

    Congratulations!  Thank you for your service, your dedication, and for being an integral part of our VMI Dredges family.


VMI Dredges Celebrates 2nd Annual Company Party with Heartfelt Tributes and Fun Activities

 VMI Dredges Celebrates 2nd Annual Company Party with Heartfelt Tributes and Fun Activities

On Saturday, September 30th, VMI Dredges held its 2nd Annual Company Party, commemorating another successful year and celebrating the dedicated efforts of its employees. The event was not just an evening of fun and games, but also a reflection of the company’s gratitude for its most valuable asset - its workforce.

Second Annual VMI Dredges Company Party


Accomplishments Video Presentation: The evening commenced with a video presentation, showcasing the company’s significant milestones and accomplishments over the past year. This was a reminder of the collective effort that goes behind every achievement and the integral role each employee plays in the company’s success.

Special Recognition for Don Williams: One of the most touching moments of the evening was the presentation of a plaque to Don Williams, honoring his remarkable 25-year service to VMI Dredges. His commitment, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory.

Catered Dinner: Attendees were treated to a scrumptious Italian catered dinner.  The dinner was a blend of delightful flavors, ensuring there was something for everyone.

Outdoor Movie: As dusk settled, employees and their families gathered up under the stars to enjoy an outdoor movie. It was a relaxing way to end the evening.

VMI Dredges Celebrates 2nd Annual Company Party with Heartfelt Tributes and Fun Activities

VMI Dredges Celebrates 2nd Annual Company Party with Heartfelt Tributes and Fun Activities


VMI Dredges Celebrates 2nd Annual Company Party with Heartfelt Tributes and Fun Activities

VMI Dredges Celebrates 2nd Annual Company Party with Heartfelt Tributes and Fun Activities


Cornhole & Yard Pong: Employees engaged in friendly bouts of cornhole and yard pong. These games infused a spirit of camaraderie among the team, providing a fun outlet for some friendly competition.

  “Our annual company party is not just an evening of festivities, but also a reminder of the VMI Dredges family’s strength, resilience, and commitment,” remarked Cash Maitlen, VMI Dredge President. “We look forward to many more years of success, growth, and celebrations like these.”

  VMI Dredges has established itself as a leader in the dredging industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and unmatched service. With a legacy spanning over 5 decades, the company takes pride in the dedicated team behind its achievements and looks forward to setting new benchmarks in the years to come.


VMI Dredges: Your Reliable Partner for Underwater Excavation Projects


When it comes to underwater excavation projects, you need dredges that are dependable, efficient, and of the highest quality. Look no further than VMI Dredges - your ultimate solution for all your dredging supply needs. As a leading provider of dredge rentals in North America, we offer the most adaptable solutions in the industry.


Based in Central Oklahoma, we are well-positioned to serve customers across the contiguous United States with ease. But our reach doesn't stop there - we offer worldwide options for customers outside of North America, making us truly a global provider.


Since our establishment in 1972, VMI has been manufacturing dredges in Oklahoma. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering as we continue to fabricate dredges and dredging equipment of the finest quality. We are proud to be a family-owned and operated business, ensuring the utmost dedication to delivering top-performing dredges to our customers.


No matter the task at hand - be it reclaiming capacity in retention ponds, extracting valuable materials such as sand and gold from rivers, or restoring eroded beachfronts - our dredgers are here to support you every step of the way. Trust VMI Dredges to help you achieve success in your underwater excavation projects.

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