AEM Members Compete in 'Makers Madness'

Share:

3/5/2020

Maker MadnessEquipment manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Woods Equipment, are trying to beat the clock during the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s Makers Madness contest.

The contest is a bracket-style tournament in which voters will decide the “Coolest Thing Made” in the Prairie State. Voting to choose the Top 16 products began on Feb. 26 and runs through March 8. Products will be narrowed down during three rounds, and will culminate in an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, Illinois on April 1.

“The Cat® 797F Mining Truck is a great example of how products from Illinois can have a positive impact across the globe,” said Henry Vicary, director of community relations for Caterpillar. “When people from all over the world visit the Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria they are absolutely awestruck by the sheer size of the massive 797. What is cooler than a truck with 14-foot tall tires?”

“This contest really showcases all the cool products made in Illinois and makes me proud that Woods is among them. Of course, I’m voting for the Woods BrushBull™, but I’d be happy to see Caterpillar or Komatsu also take the “coolest” honor. Afterall, a win for Woods, CAT, or Komatsu is a win for all of us who are proudly employed by equipment manufacturers.” said Angela Kay Larson, vice president, marketing for Woods Equipment.

Vote today to support our equipment manufacturing industry in Makers Madness!

Click to vote: Caterpillar 797F Large Mining Truck
Click to vote: Komatsu America 980E-5 Electric Drive Truck
Click to vote: Woods Equipment BrushBull Rotary Cutter

Subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for more AEM news and updates.

AEM Updates

For more AEM news and updates, subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor.

Related Articles

Modernizing Water Infrastructure: How Utilities Are Cutting Losses and Improving Reliability

By Dave Hughes, Vice President of Global Sales, McElroy Manufacturing --It is not uncommon for water utilities to lose up to 40% of their treated water. To put that into...

Emissions Rules Are Evolving Fast—Here’s What Non-Road Equipment Manufacturers Should Know

By Mike Schmidt, AEM Director of Industry Communications — An ever-increasing number of engine emissions-related announcements and legislative proposals are poised to impact on...

U.S. and Canadian Agricultural Tractor and Combine Sales Decline in March 2026

According to the latest data from AEM, total U.S. sales of agricultural tractors and combines declined in March 2026 compared to the year before.   The report shows sales of...

AEM Invites Nominations for its 2026 Hall of Fame

AEM is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Hall of Fame. This program celebrates visionary leaders and innovators who have invented, managed, built and led the non-road...

Register Now for AEM’s Upcoming Momentum Member Event in Milwaukee

Mark your calendars for AEM’s first Momentum Event of 2026! Members are invited to attend the AEM Momentum Event on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., to...

View all AEM Updates