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INDUSTRY NEWS 10 FEBRUARY 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com Ditch Witch founder passes away The Ditch Witch family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of the company's founder and industry icon Ed Malzahn on December 11. He was 94. Malzahn changed the way the world's utility infrastructure is installed and maintained when he launched the first service line trencher, the Ditch Witch model DWP, in 1949 from a small machine shop in Perry, Okla. That small shop grew to become Ditch Witch, a Charles Machine Works company, which currently employs more than 1,500 workers, and has more than 175 dealerships and branches serving 195 countries. The company has produced and sold more than half of the world's trenching machines. "Ed was the inspirational leader of the Ditch Witch and Charles Machine Works family for over 65 years," said Rick Johnson, chief executive officer for Charles Machine Works. "He possessed a sharp mind, strong rural work ethic and generous spirit — all of which he used to better those around him." Recognition of Malzahn's accomplishments as an industry leader and innovator included his induction into the Oklahoma Inventors Hall of Fame, American Rental Association Hall of Fame, Construction Equipment Hall of Fame, and North American Society for Trenchless Technology Hall of Fame. He also was named Inventor of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association: Patent, Trademark and Copyright Section. The needs of the community and its residents were always a priority to Malzahn, who held deep Oklahoma roots. His efforts as a civic leader and philanthropist included volunteer service and financial contributions to numerous organizations and boards at the local, state and national levels. As a family man, Malzahn's family life extended to his work life. Charles Machine Works has remained a family business since its creation, even after global success. Malzahn's granddaughter Tiffany Sewell-Howard, who represents the fifth generation of the Malzahn family, now serves as the executive chair of Charles Machine Works. Malzahn is survived by his three children, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. To send condolences or share memories, visit EdMalzahn.com. Ariens Company has named Ginger King as president of its Ariens Specialty Brands (ASB) business unit. ASB is a distributor of specialty equipment, supplies and gear, serving niche outdoor segments through direct- marketing brands Gempler's, Ben Meadows, AW Direct, Stens, J Thomas and Bynorm. The business unit has operations in Madison and Janesville, Wis., as well as Jasper, Ind. King was previously the vice president of human resources for the company. Prior to joining Ariens Company, she held several HR positions at Kohler Co. in Kohler, Wis., and Serigraph in West Bend, Wis. She has an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. In a related move, Chuck Basting was promoted to vice president of human resources. He was previously the director – talent and total rewards for the company. King named president of Ariens Specialty Brands business unit Todd Stucke, vice president, sales, marketing & product support, Kubota Tractor Corporation, has been elected to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) board of directors. AEM is the North American- based international trade group for the off-road equipment manufacturing industry (agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors). A vice president for Kubota since 2012 and an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in both equipment and agriculture, Stucke is responsible for ensuring that Kubota's national sales, marketing, dealer development and product support strategies collectively achieve a 360-degree approach to excellence in the customer experience. "I am honored to serve alongside so many talented industry leaders in this capacity," said Stucke. "Together, we'll work to conquer the global challenges that face our industry, and I'm confident that with our collective experience and commitment, we will achieve success." AEM membership consists of more than 850 companies and more than 200 product lines. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., with offices in the world capitals of Washington, D.C.; Ottawa, Canada; and Beijing, China. Kubota executive receives international business honor Ed Malzahn Ginger King Todd Stucke