AEM Names Three to Hall of Fame

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) inducted three industry pioneers into the AEM Hall of Fame during its Annual Conference in Miami, Florida: Billy Robert “B.R.” Lee, founder of LeeBoy; Art and Panny McElroy, founders of McElroy Manufacturing; and Nicolaus August Otto, engineer and inventor with Deutz, were recognized as the 2025 Hall of Fame class.

Keith Lee accepted the award for B.R. Lee. Chip McElroy accepted the award for Art and Panny McElroy. Dr. Sebastian Schulte accepted the award for Otto.

“B.R. Lee, Art and Panny McElroy, and Nicolaus August Otto each embody the spirit of innovation and dedication that drives our industry forward,” said Megan Tanel, AEM president/CEO, in a statement. “Their creations undoubtedly transformed the equipment manufacturing industry and inspired future generations to continue pushing forward. AEM is honored to add them to our Hall of Fame.”

AEM described each recipient and their accomplishments.

Billy Robert “B.R.” Lee

B.R. Lee built LeeBoy on practical, contractor-focused innovation. In the 1960s, he began fabricating pull-boxes from scrap metal to support small paving contractors. His major breakthrough came in 1970 with the first self-propelled commercial-class paver, a gas-powered machine with variable widths and simplified controls that expanded access to commercial paving equipment and established the LeeBoy brand.

Lee continued developing features and equipment that became industry standards, including heated screed extensions, the 8-foot commercial paver platform, and specialty machines such as the Force Feed Loader and Maintainer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. His leadership emphasized customer needs, hands-on support, and company values rooted in humility and family culture—principles that remain foundational at the company today.

Art and Panny McElroy

Art and Panny McElroy founded McElroy Manufacturing in 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, initially operating a small fabrication shop serving companies such as American Airlines, WL Walker, and Allied Bearing. By the late 1960s, McElroy was exporting fintube machines worldwide.

In 1969, Art McElroy designed a machine capable of welding the then-new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. By 1973, the company had created the industry’s most complete range of fusion equipment, supporting pipe sizes from 1/2 inch to 48 inches. His continued engineering work advanced the technology that helped establish and grow the HDPE pipe fusion industry.

The McElroys also built a reputation for customer relationships, often hosting business meetings that evolved into family-style gatherings. Their leadership laid the groundwork for initiatives such as McElroy University, global product support programs, and the development of an international channel partner network. After Art’s passing in 1988, Panny McElroy led the company until transferring leadership to their son, Chip McElroy, in the late 1990s. Their daughters, Donna Dutton and Peggy Tanner, now serve as executive vice presidents.

Nicolaus August Otto

Nicolaus August Otto reshaped industrial power through his work on internal combustion engines. After early experimentation with combustion systems in the 1860s, Otto co-founded N.A. Otto & Co. in Cologne in 1864 with Eugen Langen—considered the first factory devoted exclusively to internal combustion engines and the precursor to today’s Deutz AG.

Their atmospheric gas engine earned a gold medal at the 1867 World Exhibition in Paris. In 1876, Otto developed the four-stroke engine cycle, which became the foundation for modern combustion engines used across transportation and industry. He later advanced engine autonomy through magnetic low-voltage ignition, expanding the usefulness and adaptability of small-scale mechanical power. Otto received international recognition for his work, including an honorary doctorate in 1882.

The AEM Hall of Fame, established in 1993, recognizes individuals whose ideas and leadership shaped agriculture and construction equipment manufacturing. Past inductees include Benjamin Holt, Joseph Cyril Bamford, Jerome Increase Case, John Deere, Gus Ramirez, and Mary Andringa. With the induction of Lee, the McElroys, and Otto, the Hall of Fame now includes 74 members.

--This piece was created with the assistance of generative AI tools and was edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.