VMI is "going great" here
By Joe Shimko, Cushing Daily Citizen
Thursday, November 16, 1989
With the ever growing awareness of the environment both nationally and internationally, firms dealing with that issue are benefitting. VMI, on of the newest firms in Cushing, has felt the increased concern about the cleaning up of the environment.
"We're going great," said VMI owner Gene Maitlen.
He indicated the cirm, which builds dredges, has "more orders now since we moved here." That doesn't necessarily relate directly to their presence here, but factors such as numerous "clean water acts" being enforced in the United States and overseas have meant more activity such as the cleaning up of waterways.
This has meant more work than ever before for the 15 employees at the firm's site at 1125 N. Fleetwood. If the steady stream of work continues, Maitlen expects to see more employees hired, to possibly 20 in the future.
VMI, which had its plans for coming to Cushing announced in 1988, saw construction on its two buildings started in April of last year. By August, the company was ready to start with production commencing in October.
Recently Maitlen and others in the company were pleased when the first dredge, built entirely in Cushing, was sold to the City of Harrisonville, Kansas.
The dredge, which was viewed and climbed by citizens who attended an open house-ribbon cutting for VMI Tuesday, is the MDE415-HS. The efficiency of both the company and president of the firm are symbolized by the newest piece of equipment.
GENE MAITLEN (fourth from left) and his wife Peggy cut the ribbon at the Open House held at VMI while they and other local chamber officials stand on top of the first ever dredge built at the new company. (Staff Photo)
Recalling an Andy Rooney television commentary on the many items that are given names or identities without any significance, Maitlen outlined what each letter and number means.
"The 'M' stands for mini-dredge and the 'E' for the economy," said the owner.
The numbers also have meaning to VMI and its potential customers.
"The 'f' stands for a four-inch pump that can go 15 feet deep which the '15' stands for," he added.
the 'H' and the 'S' are also significant standing for hydro solids.
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