Gus Edwin Malzahn

Class of 1939

Edwin “Ed” Malzahn is best known as the inventor of the service line trencher. Today, the company he founded, The Charles Machine Works, Inc. (better known as “Ditch Witch”) occupies over 23 acres under roof just west of Perry, and employs over 1000 men and women. Ditch Witch products are marketed all around the world through a unique dealer organization. A Marketing and Sales force of over 100 people devote their working lives to maintaining close relationships between the company and the dealer organization.

Under Ed’s leadership, the company he founded in 1948 is still developing innovative products. A few years back, Ed’s granddaughter Tiffany Sewell-Howard, was hired as CEO of the firm. Even though Ed is not “formally” head of the company, everyone still refers to him as “The Man.”

Ed has been the recipient of numerous accolades in Oklahoma and the United States.