Mary Andringa has been inducted into the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Hall of Fame. Andringa is chair of the board at Vermeer, and has served as its CEO, co-CEO, president, and COO.
“We are very pleased to announce and congratulate Mary Andringa as the latest inductee into the AEM Hall of Fame,” said AEM president Dennis Slater in a prepared statement. “She joins an elite group of respected industry leaders whose work and accomplishments inspire the next generation to continue our industry’s legacy of progress enhancing productivity, sustainability, and economic and social prosperity.”
The AEM Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose innovations, ideas, and leadership have advanced the off-road equipment manufacturing industry and contributed to its success in the past and into tomorrow, according to an association press release.
Nominations for the AEM Hall of Fame are open year-round. An independent panel of industry experts evaluates potential inductees, and honorees are publicly announced and celebrated during special ceremonies at AEM’s annual conference of member companies.
In making the announcement, AEM released this statement about Andringa:
“Mary Andringa’s commitment and relentless leadership positioned Vermeer Corporation as a strong voice in the industry – for lean manufacturing, for the education of our future workforce, for the legislation of policies having a positive impact on manufacturing, for family-owned and -operated companies and for taking care of the people of Vermeer.
“Mary’s own investment into lean manufacturing led to organization-wide change for continuous improvement and growth. An example of success: Vermeer’s 12-inch in-feed brush chipper went from raw steel to finished product in two days, rather than 52.
“Starting her career teaching elementary students, Mary has a passion for education and continuous learning that’s continued throughout her time at Vermeer. This passion prompted Vermeer to expand its education initiatives at all levels – early childhood education with an onsite early learning center, college-age students with an international leadership program and onsite facility at Iowa State University, as well as adults with preparation for retirement.
“Mary actively communicates and collaborates with legislators on issues that matter to advanced manufacturing, exporters and small- to medium- sized businesses. She served on the President’s Export Council and Ex-Im Bank Advisory Committee, chaired the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and was co-chair of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.
“Continuing the legacy her father left, Mary helped define and promote the Vermeer 4P Philosophy (principles, people, product and profit), with people being our most important asset. Vermeer initiatives include an onsite primary care clinic and pharmacy for employees and their families.
“Her level of passion and commitment have made her a voice of change and innovation not only at Vermeer, but in the industry and community.”
Source: Association of Equipment Manufacturers
