The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will hit the road this summer and fall for a new initiative designed to tell the story of the U.S. equipment manufacturing industry and celebrate the men and women who help build, power, and feed the world.

Stops include a tour of production facilities, as well as the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and suppliers. Attendees can also engage with manufacturer representatives and industry experts to address specific questions or concerns.

In the Construction News area, the AEM Manufacturing Express tour will visit:

• Ditch Witch in Perry, Oklahoma, on August 7
• McElroy Manufacturing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 8
• Vacuworx Global in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 8
• PACCAR Winch in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on August 9
• TWG-Dover in Jenks, Oklahoma, on August 9
• CM Truck Beds in Kingston, Oklahoma, on August 12
• Allen Engineering Corporation in Paragould, Arkansas, on August 14
• Krone North America in Olive Branch, Mississippi, on August 15
• Caterpillar Inc. in Corinth, Mississippi, on August 16
• ACE Pumps in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 19

After launching on July 1, 2024, at Weiler, Inc., in Knoxville, Iowa, the interactive mobile tour will travel across the country through October when it wraps up with a finale event at Komatsu in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tour will visit more than 20 states and more than 80 equipment manufacturers.

“The AEM Manufacturing Express will hit the road this year to celebrate the equipment manufacturing industry and highlight its vital role in building a modern and resilient infrastructure, putting food on people’s tables, and powering vital public services and utilities,” said AEM President Megan Tanel. “Behind every piece of equipment is a story, and we are excited to tell the stories of the 2.3 million men and women of our industry and highlight how their grit, determination, and can-do spirit have been pivotal to the American way of life.”

The tour features a new interactive, online game designed to showcase the cutting-edge technology and innovative processes, people, and products revolutionizing equipment manufacturing across America. Created exclusively for AEM, the game allows participants to answer questions for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize of a Ford F-150. 

Each stop will also feature thought leadership, giveaways, food, and entertainment to tell the story of equipment manufacturing in America.

In addition, the tour will engage with local and regional policymakers to spotlight bipartisan policies that support equipment manufacturing companies, their 2.3 million employees, and the industry’s annual $316 billion contribution to the U.S. economy.

“Hitting the road during a critical election year, the AEM Manufacturing Express provides us with the opportunity to engage manufacturing workers in the political process, connect with elected officials and candidates, and keep our industry front and center,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Harnessing the voices and stories of our member companies, we will leverage our fiercely bipartisan approach to advocacy to advance policies that will strengthen the economy and move our industry forward.”

The complete Manufacturing Express schedule, as well as the game and the chance to win the grand prize, are available at manufacturingexpress.org.