AEM Launches ‘The Makers’ Campaign Celebrating Those Who Build Equipment in America

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is highlighting the men and women who make the equipment in America through its newest campaign, “The Makers.”

AEM explained that the campaign highlights the real stories of three of the 2.3 million Americans in the equipment manufacturing industry. The association said the campaign kicked off with a six-figure ad buy in Washington, D.C., that calls on policymakers to recognize the economic impact of the industry and pass pro-manufacturing policies that will enable more equipment to be made in America.  

 “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.” 

The first video in the series (see above) is a minute-long anthem that weaves together the stories of Greg, Sarah and Stephanie. It showcases their diverse backgrounds, but shared values that unite America’s equipment manufacturing workers.

The Makers: Greg from Williamsburg, Iowa

In addition to the first video, “The Makers” will include three short films that spotlight the individual stories of each manufacturing employee. Greg from Kinze’s film (see above) is currently available to watch, with the other two videos launching in the coming weeks.  

 “AEM’s ‘The Makers’ video featuring Greg is a powerful reminder of the deep connection between farming and manufacturing,” said Kinze President Susanne Kinzebaw Veatch. “Greg’s story reflects the heart of Kinze – where many of our team members, like him, bring firsthand farming experience to the work they do every day. That connection ensures we build equipment that truly meets the needs of farmers. Manufacturing plays a significant role in the ag economy, and I’m proud of the contributions our employees make – from engineering to assembly to service – in helping farmers feed the world. Behind every Kinze product are dedicated people and together, we’re driving agriculture and the rural economy forward.”  

More to Come

Click here to watch “The Makers” series and stay tuned for Sarah and Stephanie’s stories.

 “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.” 

“For over 80 years, Gradall’s legacy as an American manufacturer has been built on the deep, generational loyalty of families like Stephanie’s,” said Mike Popovich, president of Gradall Industries. “Seeing three generations commit their careers here shows the powerful, personal connection between our company and our community. This dedication is what enables us to design and deliver world-class equipment that helps communities everywhere function and grow.” 

Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.