Leadership Stories | AEM History | Historical Photos

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) robust history began 125 years ago from a unique vantage point – its industry segments came together to create a fundamentally more powerful voice and advocate for the off-road equipment manufacturing industry. As we give a nod to the past century of accomplishments, we asked our volunteer leadership to share what AEM has meant to them and their organizations. Check out AEM’s leadership stories, their look back and their look ahead to the next 125 years.

LEADERSHIP STORIES

Jason Hallett, Chief Operating Officer,
Digital Construction Works
A Topcon Positioning Group and Bently Systems Company
Jerry Johnson, President, Farm, Ranch & Ag Division
Blount International
Scott Harris, VP Case IH NA
CNH Industrial America
Jeff Reed, President & CEO
Reed International
Ingo Schiller, President & CEO
Tadano America Corporation
Jason Andringa, President & CEO
Vermeer Corporation
Susanne Cobey, President & CEO
Eagle Crusher Company
John Lagemann, Senior VP, Ag & Turf Sales & Marketing
John Deere
Dennis Slater, President
AEM
Mary Erholtz, Vice President of Marketing
Superior Industries, Inc.
Guru Bandekar, Vice President, Global Engineering and Program Management
JLG Industries
Bob Crain, Senior VP & General Manager, AGCO Americas
AGCO Corporation

AEM HISTORY

For more than a century, the AEM has provided a manufacturer forum for industry- wide action that transcends individual member company size, product line or individual business concerns. Companies participating in AEM work together for the betterment of the industry and public needs, at the state, national, provincial and international levels.

AEM built on the successes and continued the legacy of its founding groups – the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI). Both groups had a common goal – advocating for better roads that brought products to market faster, safer and more efficiently. Today AEM continues to make noise in Washington, and a key issue is still the need for a superior infrastructure system for improved productivity and quality of life.

 

  • 2020

    2020

    AEM changes the ICUEE show name to The Utility Expo. It’s a clear name with one clear purpose: to be the show where the entire utility industry goes to grow.

  • 2019

    2019

    AEM becomes a partner and member of Commodity Classic’s management committee.

  • 2018

    2018

    AEM acquires data analytics company Hargrove & Associates.

  • 2017

    2017

    AEM debuts 'Thinking Forward' event series - designed to provide members with a vision of the future as they prepare to face critical challenges to their businesses.

  • 2015

    2015

    CONEXPO Latin America was held for the first time in Santiago, Chile.

  • 2004

    2004

    AEM opened its Canadian branch office.

  • 2002

    2002

    IFPE is co-located with CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The show was previously held in Chicago beginning in 1984 by NFPA.

  • 2002

    2002

    The Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI) consolidated into AEM - the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

  • 2001

    2001

    World of Asphalt was first held and rotates between cities in the U.S.

  • 1999

    1999

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG becomes the United States’ largest tradeshow across all industries for 1999.

  • 1997

    1997

    CIMA opens China office.

  • 1989

    1989

    The Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute (formerly National Association of Agricultural Implement and Vehicle Manufacturers) made their final name change to the Equipment Manufacturers Institute.

  • 1980s

    1980s

    (EMI) became ICUEE (now known as The Utility Expo) show owner and producer after providing industry direction. First held in Louisville in 1987.

  • 1970s

    1970s

    CIMA broadened its membership to include companies from around the world in recognition of the increasingly global scope of the industry.

  • 1969

    1969

    CIMA introduces its first safety manual.

  • 1966

    1966

    The forerunner of ICUEE (now known as The Utility Expo) was first held – known as the “Elburn show” held in a field in Elburn, Illinois.

  • 1956

    1956

    The “Combined Biennial Show,” the predecessor of CON/AGG, was held at the Chicago Coliseum in conjunction with the annual conventions of the NSGA and NRMCA.

  • 1948

    1948

    American Road Builders Association sponsors the Road Show, predecessor of today’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The first Road Show after World War II is held at Soldier Field, Chicago, and is larger and more diverse than any previously held.

  • 1911

    1911

    First formal meeting of what eventually became CIMA was a November gathering of the National Association of Material and Machinery Manufacturers (NAMMM).

  • 1894

    1894

    National Association of Agricultural Implement and Vehicle Manufacturers was established. Several name changes followed to reflect changes in the industry.


HISTORICAL PHOTOS