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Edwin Malzahn

Currently serving as president of Charles Machine Works, Edwin Malzahn made an impact as a young engineer with an innovative idea at the end of World War II.

In 1949, Edwin Malzahn designed and introduced the first compact trencher, nicknamed "Ditch Witch", that featured planetary gear reduction. His innovation, which pioneered the handlebar trencher business, made powered trenching technology available to small and large scale users alike. The Ditch Witch, which the company refined and expanded over the years, made possible the wide-scale underground placement of utility lines, first begun in the 1960's and now commonplace in new construction. Edwin Malzahn later led his company in the development of many other innovations, such as vibratory plowing products and the new field of trenchless technology.

A registered professional engineer, Malzahn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1943. He is as active a community and education leader as he is in industry. Included among his numerous leadership posts are: past officer of the Equipment Manufacturers Institute; director of First National Bank & Trust of Perry, OK; past chair of the Oklahoma Industrial Development & Park Commission and the Economic Development Commission; and past director of the Oklahoma State University Research Foundation. His awards and recognition are also numerous, and include induction into his state's Hall of Fame; his university's Hall of Fame, as well as Outstanding Engineer in Management, and National Outstanding Small Businessman Award.

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