U.S. Equipment Workforce Stories That Inspire

AEM launches The Makers campaign to honor US workers shaping modern manufacturing

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has launched The Makers, a national campaign designed to celebrate the people who build the machines that support farming, construction, and community development across the United States. The campaign focuses on real stories from workers who help produce the equipment that powers and feeds the world. 

AEM represents an industry that includes more than 2.3 million American workers. Through this new initiative, the organization hopes to bring greater recognition to the contributions of manufacturing employees and highlight the importance of strong policies that support domestic production. The campaign begins with a major advertising effort in Washington, D.C., encouraging lawmakers to create policies that help more equipment be built in America. 

The Makers series tells the stories of three workers: Greg from Kinze in Iowa, Sarah from Link-Belt Cranes in Kentucky, and Stephanie from Gradall Industries in Ohio. Each of their videos shows the pride, dedication, and craftsmanship that define equipment manufacturing. The first short film featuring Greg has already been released (watch the video below), with the remaining videos set to follow soon. 

Industry leaders say the campaign shines a spotlight on the deep connections between manufacturing, agriculture, and local communities. Kinze President Susanne Kinzebaw Veatch praised Greg’s story as a reminder of how farming experience influences 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.”  

The campaign serves as a celebration of American workers, their communities, and the belief that what they create truly matters. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-kali9