By Jamie Martin
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has launched The Makers, a new national campaign highlighting the essential role of American workers in the equipment manufacturing industry. This initiative recognizes the people who build tractors, cranes, excavators, and other machines that support farms, infrastructure, and communities across the United States.
The campaign begins with a major advertising effort in Washington, D.C., urging policymakers to support manufacturing policies that help equipment producers grow. AEM represents a sector employing 2.3 million Americans, and its leaders believe now is the right time to focus national attention on the workers who bring skill, innovation, and dedication to their jobs every day.
The Makers series features three individuals whose stories reflect the broader manufacturing community. Greg from Kinze in Iowa brings his farming background into equipment manufacturing. Sarah from Link-Belt Cranes in Kentucky represents modern engineering and design. Stephanie from Gradall in Ohio symbolizes the loyalty of families who have worked in manufacturing for generations. Each video highlights their pride and commitment to building equipment that helps the nation move forward.
Industry leaders shared strong support for the campaign. Kinze President Susanne Kinzebaw Veatch said Greg’s story shows how agricultural experience improves equipment design.
“We take great pride in being a mobile crane manufacturer to lift America’s economy both literally and figuratively,” said Melvin Porter, CEO and President, Link-Belt Cranes.
“Every crane we design and manufacture represents the skill, innovation, and dedication of American workers. We proudly support AEM’s ‘The Makers’ campaign because it spotlights the people, the equipment, and the stories moving our nation forward. It’s vital that we empower these hardworking men and women through sound manufacturing and infrastructure policies to sustain the industries that keep America strong.”
“There are millions of makers like Greg, Sarah, and Stephanie behind every tractor, crane, and excavator that maintain our nation’s infrastructure and help our farmers grow more food,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations.
“As policymakers in Washington discuss ways to revitalize American manufacturing, it is important to address misconceptions about the industry and demonstrate why it is important to create – and fill – more manufacturing jobs in America. This campaign is a celebration of the people that make our industry strong, the communities they support, and the values they represent: hard work, ingenuity, and the belief that what you make matters.”
Through The Makers, AEM celebrates American workers and reinforces the belief that their work matters to the nation’s future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kali9
Categories: National