The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) was in Knoxville, Iowa today for the start of its four-month, multi-state tour across the Midwest and Southeast, known as the AEM Manufacturing Express, to recognize equipment manufacturers and their employees.
It’s first stop was at Weiler, which manufactures heavy equipment for the asphalt and road building industry, including remixing transfer vehicles, commercial pavers, road wideners, windrow elevators, compactors, graders and more. The company was founded in 2000 and has experienced incredible growth. Weiler has added several facilities and products to its business during the past 24 years, including some of the best-selling pavers and other machines in the industry.
The company’s employees gathered for a group photo at the event.Gigi Wood
The company’s employees gathered for a group photo, followed by a demonstration by the Des Moines Skydivers, who hand-delivered the state and national flags to the event, via parachute. Many of the company’s more than 500 employees were fed a catered lunch before listening to remarks from AEM officials and Weiler’s president and CEO, Pat Weiler.
“You all know how important manufacturing is to the state, local and national economy,” said Weiler, who is also a member of AEM’s board of directors. “We’ll continue to recognize the importance of the employees we have and building upon that success that’s driving this company and the country forward.”
Many of the company’s more than 500 employees were fed a catered lunch during the stop.Gigi Wood
Throughout the years, Weiler has bought various product lines from companies such as Caterpillar and Gehl. The company introduced new equipment innovations at World of Asphalt this year, which you can read about here.
“Due to this group’s willingness to get the job done, Weiler is the market leader in transfer vehicles, road wideners and windrow elevators. The P385 Paver is the No. 1 selling paver In North America,” he said. “We know that by fact, and we’re pretty sure it is internationally, as well. In just this short time of 10 years, our products have become the standard on the industry.”
The company’s charitable arm, the Weiler Foundation, donates to various organizations throughout the community, distributing more than $1 million in grants in 2022.
“Thanks to your commitment to manufacture the best products in the industry, we have been able to give back to the community,” Weiler said. “We're proud to call Knoxville home and honored to be able to support community through the Weiler Foundation, with contributions to schools, hospitals, community centers, and a wide variety of nonprofit organizations to help make Knoxville a great community, and better place to live. The foundation's impact on the community is possible only because of the company's success. And the company's success is only possible because of the work of this group. So thank you for all that.
AEM Manufacturing Express
Initially planned for 2020, the AEM Manufacturing Express is expected to travel through 20 states and visit more than 80 manufacturers. The tour aims to draw attention to the economic importance of manufacturers, celebrate manufacturing workers and educate government officials and others about the positive impact of manufacturing.
“For us, it's the first time we've done any sort of really large-scale grassroots campaign like this. And we've been around for over 130 years,” said Megan Tanel, president of AEM.Gigi Wood
“For us, it's the first time we've done any sort of really large-scale grassroots campaign like this. And we've been around for over 130 years,” said Megan Tanel, president of AEM. “But this is more than a bus tour, I think some of you have realized that, as you've checked some things out. Behind every piece of equipment here at Weiler, there is a story. And that story starts with each of you. It's our ability to tell the story of the 2.3 million men and women in this industry right here in our United States, and show your grit, your determination and your can-do attitude. This manufacturing Express also gives us the opportunity to bring some of our elected officials out and show them the importance of our industry, the importance of what you do on a daily basis, especially here in Iowa.”
Throughout the tour, AEM is giving away coolers and other swag and is offering participants a chance to win a Ford F-150. The truck was on site at Weiler on Monday.Gigi Wood
Throughout the tour, AEM is giving away coolers and other swag and is offering participants a chance to win a Ford F-150. The truck was on site at Weiler on Monday.
AEM is a trade association that advocates for equipment manufacturers in the construction and agriculture industries.
The AEM Manufacturing Express will be at Vermeer on July 2, followed by Cemen Tech on July 3.
The AEM Manufacturing Express visited Weiler on July 1 and will be at Vermeer on July 2, followed by Cemen Tech on July 3.AEM
