IMS Dredges
IMS Dredges designs and manufactures self-propelled, one-truck transportable hydraulic dredging systems (Versi-Dredge line and DM-60 Depth Master) using its patented Starwheel Drive propulsion, selling to governments, municipalities, contractors, and resource companies in over 60 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersNew Richmond, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What IMS Dredges does
IMS Dredges is a U.S.-based manufacturer of self-propelled hydraulic dredging systems operating as a division of Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC, which is wholly owned by Markel Ventures (a subsidiary of Markel Corp, NYSE: MKL). Founded in 1986 in Olathe, KS and now headquartered at a 75,000 ft² ISO:9001 certified manufacturing facility in New Richmond, WI employing 70 people, IMS designs and builds one-truck transportable dredges led by its Versi-Dredge line (4008 LP, 5012 LP, 5012 HP, and 7012 HP models) and the DM-60 Depth Master for deeper applications. The company's core technology is the patented Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system, which eliminates the anchor cables, swing wires, spuds, and tender boats required by conventional dredges, supported by additional patented components including the TractionMaster bottom traction system, WeedMaster aquatic vegetation cutterhead, Pump Defender self-cleaning debris guard, and GeoPool dewatering system.
IMS generates revenue primarily through one-time capital equipment sales of complete dredge systems, complemented by recurring streams from proprietary accessories (WeedMaster, Pump Defender, Quick Pipe discharge systems, broadcaster attachments, TLR self-launching trailers, Trimble GPS packages), factory-direct parts fulfillment with 24-72 hour turnaround, and operator training and field service contracts. Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly disclosed, and the company sells through a combination of direct enterprise field sales, an international sales office in Overland Park, KS, and a global dealer network spanning more than 60 countries — with over 75% of dredges shipped overseas to government agencies, municipalities, irrigation districts, defense departments, environmental contractors, mining operators, and resort property developers.
The company addresses demand for recurring waterway maintenance dredging across marinas, ports, lakes, reservoirs, canals, rivers, irrigation systems, wastewater lagoons, mine tailings ponds, and beachfront properties, where sediment accumulation, vegetation overgrowth, and contaminated sludge create flooding, navigation, regulatory, and capacity problems. Differentiation rests on the patented self-propulsion architecture that reduces crew size and operating costs versus swing-ladder dredges, modular one-truck transportability that enables rapid mobilization, and an integrated accessory ecosystem that allows each unit to address multiple applications including vegetation harvesting and dewatering.
IMS Dredges firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IMS Dredges
- Legal name
- IMS Division of Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC
- Website
- https://imsdredge.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- IMS Dredges designs and manufactures self-propelled, one-truck transportable hydraulic dredging systems (Versi-Dredge line and DM-60 Depth Master) using its patented Starwheel Drive propulsion, selling to governments, municipalities, contractors, and resource companies in over 60 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IMS Dredges industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hydraulic Dredging Equipment
- NAICS
- Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391), Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing (333996), Fluid Power Cylinder and Actuator Manufacturing (333995)
- SIC
- Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530), Construction Machinery & Equip (3531), Mining Machinery & Equip (No Oil & Gas Field Mach & Equip) (3532)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dredging & Channel Deepening (Capital & Maintenance) (IMAFAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hydraulic Components (Pumps, Motors, Cylinders) (IMAHAGAA), Hydraulic Power Units & Systems (HPUs, Manifolds, Integrated Circuits) (IMAHAGAB), Dredging Spoils / Sediment Slurry Pipeline Transportation (TLAGAIAI)
Keywords
Where IMS Dredges is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Richmond
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
IMS Dredges business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Dredge Equipment Sales: IMS generates revenue from the direct sale of hydraulic dredges (Versi-Dredge models 4008 LP, 5012 LP, 5012 HP, 7012 HP) and the DM-60 Depth Master. Dredges are sold as complete turn-key systems with standard and optional equipment. One-truck transportable dredges are sold fully assembled with no disassembly required. Enterprise field sales model with direct engagement with government, municipal, and contractor buyers worldwide.
- Accessories and Attachments: IMS sells proprietary accessories including WeedMaster cutterheads, Pump Defender debris guards, discharge pipe (HDPE Quick Pipe), floats, roll flat discharge hoses, broadcaster discharge attachments, dredging GPS systems, TLR self-launching trailers, booster pumps, and spare parts packages.
- Parts and Aftermarket Service: IMS provides parts sales and field service support with 24-72 hour order turnaround. Parts are shipped by air, land, or sea with proper documentation. Free technical support for the lifetime of the dredge via phone and email. Extended on-site operator training available.
- Training and Field Service: IMS provides on-site technician training for operators, including pre-start checks, hydraulic/electrical maintenance, dredge operation and optimization, and post-training reports. Extended multi-month operator training available for critical projects. Classroom training hosted at IMS's multi-media facility with dredge simulator for foreign delegations.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
IMS Dredges product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IMS Dredges designs, manufactures, and sells one-truck transportable self-propelled hydraulic dredging equipment under the Versi-Dredge brand, along with the DM-60 Depth Master, booster pumps, and patented accessories such as the WeedMaster cutterhead, Pump Defender debris guard, and GeoPool dewatering system. The company serves governments, municipalities, contractors, and resort developers in over 60 countries with site-specific consultation, operator training, parts, and field service support.
Product overview
IMS Dredges offers a comprehensive portfolio of self-propelled hydraulic dredging systems and accessories. The core offering is the Versi-Dredge line—four models (4008 LP, 5012 LP, 5012 HP, 7012 HP) of one-truck transportable, self-propelled dredges featuring the patented Starwheel Drive propulsion system that eliminates anchor cables. For deeper applications, the DM-60 Depth Master provides 60 ft. dredging depth with two-truck transportability. Supporting the dredge line are booster pumps (1012 and 1008 models), patented accessories including the WeedMaster vegetation cutterhead, Pump Defender self-cleaning debris guard, Quick Pipe discharge systems, Bi-Directional Broadcaster spray attachment, and Trimble GPS navigation package. The company also provides parts, technical support, training services, and a used equipment marketplace. The GeoPool dewatering system handles material separation post-dredging. All products are backed by ISO:9001 certified manufacturing in New Richmond, WI.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Model 4008 LP Versi-Dredge Lightweight, one-truck transportable self-propelled hydraulic dredge with the patented Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system, 20 ft. dredging depth and 160 HP power, aimed at marinas, ponds, industrial ponds, and canals.
- Model 5012 LP Versi-Dredge One-truck transportable self-propelled hydraulic dredge with 300 HP, 4,500 gpm production, and 22 ft. dredging depth for lake, canal, and river dredging projects.
- Model 5012 HP Versi-Dredge Self-propelled hydraulic dredge with 375 HP, 3,500 gpm production, and 22 ft. dredging depth, designed for canal, reservoir, and marina dredging projects.
- Model 7012 HP Versi-Dredge Self-propelled one-truck transportable hydraulic dredge with 500 HP, 5,000 gpm production, and 30 ft. dredging depth, used on rivers, small ports, canals, lakes, and beach restoration.
- DM-60 Depth Master Two-truck transportable dredge with dual marine prop drive system, bow thruster, and 60 ft. dredging depth, used for reservoir, hydropower, tailings dam, and port dredging.
- IMS 1012 Booster Pump Dredge booster pump with GIW cast iron pump, 4,000 gpm at 170 ft. TDH, powered by a John Deere 6090 engine at 325 bhp, extending slurry pipeline reach.
- IMS 1008 Booster Pump Compact dredge booster pump with GIW pump, 3,500 gpm at 140 ft. TDH, powered by a John Deere 6068 engine at 250 bhp, used to extend pipeline reach.
- WeedMaster Cutterhead
Quantifiable outcome
- Downtime reduction of up to 90% in debris-rich environments
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use IMS Dredges
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
IMS Dredges technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
IMS Dredges partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Liquid Waste TechnologycoreIn early 2003, IMS was acquired by Liquid Waste Technology, its competitor at the time. Liquid Waste Technology consolidated IMS into its portfolio of dredge companies, eventually leading to the 2010 acquisition by Markel Ventures.
- Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLCcoreIMS is a division of Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC. Together with sister brands Mud Cat Dredge and Ellicott Dredges, the affiliated companies form the largest group of dredge companies in the Americas with over 200 years of collective experience. The companies share manufacturing facilities, sales offices, parts departments, and service operations.
- TrimblecoreIMS integrates Trimble MPS865 Receiver and dual GA830 antennas, plus Trimble Marine Construction Software (TMC), into its Dredging GPS System. The Trimble system enables precision dredging with <10cm accuracy using optional CenterPoint RTX precise point positioning technology delivered via satellite.
- GIW Industries (GIW Cast Iron LLC)coreIMS uses GIW slurry pumps and certified pump curves from GIW's state-of-the-art slurry lab in the United States on its Versi-Dredge models. GIW Hi-Chrome patented gasite white iron is used on the 7012 HP pump. GIW ladder-mounted pumps are featured on the DM-60 Depth Master (10" x 12" GIW pump).
- John DeerecoreIMS Versi-Dredge models use John Deere engines: Tier 3 Marine standard (Tier 4 Final optional) for stock units. Booster pumps also use John Deere engines (6090 for 1012 model, 6068 for 1008 model).
- Global Dealer NetworkmajorIMS operates through a global network of dealers and dealership firms that take delivery of Versi-Dredge units and resell or rent equipment to end customers. Dealers active in 60+ countries including Angola, Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, Philippines, Canada, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and more.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
IMS Dredges competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DSC Dredge: U.S.-based manufacturer of portable hydraulic cutter-suction and auger dredges serving lakes, marinas, canals, and mining. Closest U.S. independent competitor to IMS's Versi-Dredge line, with overlapping product categories, customers, and dealer/distributor motion.
- EDDY Pump Corporation: U.S. manufacturer of slurry and dredge pumps with submersible and self-priming dredging systems used in mining, marine, and industrial applications. Comparable as an engineering-led niche pump/dredge OEM targeting similar industrial and government end users.
- Atlas Dredge: Manufacturer of portable hydraulic cutterhead and auger dredges for marinas, lakes, and ponds. Closely comparable product category to IMS's smaller Versi-Dredge units, with overlapping small-customer and municipal end markets.
- Mud Cat Dredge: Sister brand under Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, focused on small, portable hydraulic dredges for wastewater lagoons and confined-water applications. Directly comparable product positioning, customer base (municipal/industrial lagoon operators), and shared service/parts infrastructure with IMS.
- Ellicott Dredges: Sister brand within Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC; designs and manufactures larger hydraulic cutter and bucketwheel dredges for ports, harbors, and mining. Direct peer because both share the same parent, overlapping channels, and serve the same dredging end markets with a complementary product range.
Broad incumbents
- Sulzer: Swiss industrial manufacturer of pumps and related rotating equipment for water, wastewater, mining, and general industry. Comparable to IMS in slurry/water pumping applications and wastewater lagoon end markets, but operates across many segments beyond dredging.
- Metso: Global industrial incumbent offering pumps, slurry handling equipment, and mining solutions. Comparable on the mining and slurry-pumping side of IMS's business (especially tailings and aggregate dredging), but with a much broader product portfolio and global scale.
- Royal IHC: Global incumbent in dredging and offshore equipment, building standard and custom cutter-suction, hopper, and deep-sea dredges. Overlaps with IMS in hydraulic cutter dredges for mining, ports, and waterways but operates at much larger scale with broader shipyard and offshore capability.
- Damen Dredging: Dutch group offering a broad portfolio of cutter-suction dredges, trailing suction hopper dredges, and dredging support vessels. A broad incumbent serving the same end markets (ports, rivers, mining) but with a much wider product range and far larger scale than IMS.
Others
- GIW Industries (KSB): Supplier of high-chrome slurry pumps used on IMS's 7012 HP and DM-60 dredges; GIW pumps and pump curves are integrated into IMS products. A key enabling supplier in the same slurry-handling value chain rather than a direct competitor, but its slurry pumps are a credible substitute for the integrated system IMS sells.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
IMS Dredges social profiles
Digital presenceIMS Dredges compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
IMS Dredges financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IMS Dredges leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
IMS Dredges subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
IMS Dredges funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IMS Dredges M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IMS Dredges
What does IMS Dredges do?
IMS Dredges designs, manufactures, and sells one-truck transportable self-propelled hydraulic dredging equipment under the Versi-Dredge brand, along with the DM-60 Depth Master, booster pumps, and patented accessories such as the WeedMaster cutterhead, Pump Defender debris guard, and GeoPool dewatering system. The company serves governments, municipalities, contractors, and resort developers in over 60 countries with site-specific consultation, operator training, parts, and field service support.
Is IMS Dredges a public or private company?
IMS Dredges is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was IMS Dredges founded?
IMS Dredges was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is IMS Dredges based?
IMS Dredges is headquartered in New Richmond, United States, in the North America region.
How does IMS Dredges make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Dredge Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Attachments, parts and Aftermarket Service and training and Field Service.
Who are IMS Dredges's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DSC Dredge, EDDY Pump Corporation, Atlas Dredge, Mud Cat Dredge and Ellicott Dredges. Broad incumbents are Sulzer, Metso, Royal IHC and Damen Dredging. GIW Industries (KSB) is listed as an others.
Does IMS Dredges have an API?
No public API is recorded for IMS Dredges.
What industry is IMS Dredges in?
IMS Dredges's product category is Hydraulic Dredging Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFAJAB, Dredging & Channel Deepening (Capital & Maintenance), with a secondary code of IMAHAGAA, Hydraulic Components (Pumps, Motors, Cylinders). Its NAICS code is 33391 and its SIC code is 3530.