AEM “The Makers” Campaign Spotlights U.S. Manufacturing Workforce
The Makers, a new campaign from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), recognizes the men and women who build the machines that power, feed, and construct America. The campaign launches with a one-minute anthem video (above) combining the stories of all three participants, followed by individual videos.
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The Makers features Greg from Kinze in Williamsburg, Iowa; Sarah from Link-Belt Cranes in Lexington, Kentucky; and Stephanie from Gradall Industries in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Each short film emphasizes the craftsmanship and commitment of equipment manufacturing workers.
Kip Eideberg, SVP of government and industry relations for AEM, said in a statement that the campaign celebrates “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.”
Greg’s story was released first (right), with the others scheduled to debut in the coming weeks.
“AEM’s ‘The Makers’ video featuring Greg is a powerful reminder of the deep connection between farming and manufacturing,” Susanne Kinzebaw Veatch, president of Kinze, said in a statement. “Greg’s story reflects the heart of Kinze—where many of our team members bring firsthand farming experience to their work every day. That connection ensures we build equipment that truly meets the needs of farmers.”
Melvin Porter, president/CEO of Link-Belt Cranes, said in a statement that the company takes pride in manufacturing cranes that “lift America’s economy both literally and figuratively.”
“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.”
Stated Gradall Industries president Mike Popovich:
“For over 80 years, Gradall’s legacy as an American manufacturer has been built on the deep, generational loyalty of families like Stephanie’s. 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.”
The campaign is part of AEM’s ongoing efforts to support policies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing. These three individuals are among the 2.3 million Americans employed in equipment production, according to the association. The initiative begins with a six-figure ad buy in Washington, D.C., aimed at drawing attention from policymakers to the economic impact of the industry and the need for pro-manufacturing legislation.
“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,” Eideberg said. “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 piece was created with the assistance of generative AI tools and was edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.