Core purpose

AEM is the leading organization in North America advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners in the global marketplace. In enabling growth together, AEM and its members build momentum for the equipment manufacturing industry and the markets it serves. View the 2022 Annual Report.

Resource Spotlight

Member Directory

AEM is 1,000+ members strong and growing, representing 200+ product lines.

AEM by the Numbers.

Make valuable connections, boost your knowledge, and grow your bottom line.

961

Construction

529

Agriculture

507

Mining

539

Utility

379

Forestry

Learn more about our member companies

AEM Four-Year Strategic Plan

AEM’s four-year strategic plan extends through 2023 and focuses on top priorities to bring exceptional value to our members and the industry. View the full Strategic Plan & Priorities.

As part of the 4-Year Strategic Plan, the AEM Board identified four goals that highlight the plan’s most significant priorities:

  • Build Positive Public Perception of Our Industries – AEM will support our members in telling our industry’s stories to raise public awareness of the contributions and innovative solutions that contribute to health, quality of life, economic growth, employment and a cleaner environment.
  • Accelerate Industry Growth – AEM will foster innovation and economic growth and attract top talent so our members can contribute the equipment and technologies to build the most advanced infrastructure and farming systems.
  • Support & Empower Member Company Decision-Making – Through market data and intelligence, thought leadership and original research, AEM will enable member companies to adapt and prepare for the future, make highly informed business decisions and catalyze growth.
  • Facilitate Members’ Customer-Facing Efforts – With a focus on enhancing customer connections, AEM will support members’ efforts to increase sales, meet customer needs and expectations, and promote safe and efficient operation practices.

AEM History

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.

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.

  • 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
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