The AEM Manufacturing Express returned to the Hawkeye State – where it all started back in July 1 – to celebrate Manufacturing Month and highlight the equipment manufacturing’s role in building a stronger, more prosperous Iowa. The equipment manufacturing sector is a critical part of the state’s economy, supporting more than 130,000 jobs and contributing $18 billion to GDP. The state’s manufacturing might was on full display on a brisk fall morning, as the AEM Manufacturing Express pulled into Vermeer and Governor Kim Reynolds (R) and U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) disembarked to raucous applause from hundreds of equipment manufacturing workers at Vermeer.
The two lawmakers joined Vermeer President and CEO Jason Andringa and AEM Senior Vice President Kip Eideberg in thanking them for their many contributions and highlighting the critical role they play in powering the state’s economy. They then toured Plant 7, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility which opened in 2021 following a complete rebuild after a tornado destroyed the facilities previously on the site. The team of more than 700 in Plant 7 design, build, and support equipment dedicated to installing important infrastructure – including water, gas, and fiber – around the world. The stop at Vermeer ended with a visit to the Global Parts Distribution Center, which spans more than 312,000 square feet. Normal day-to-day operations include picking, packing, and shipping thousands of parts, but this day the Governor and the Congresswoman joined 150 team members as they packaged more than 76,000 meals for the non-profit organization Meals from the Heartland. The meals will go to families affected by hurricanes in the southeastern part of the United States.
“I was thrilled to welcome the AEM Manufacturing Express back to Iowa. The tour highlighted everything the manufacturing industry does to grow America’s economy and bring prosperity to local communities—contributions it certainly makes here in our state,” said Governor Reynolds (R).
Governor Reynolds and Representative Miller-Meeks then climbed back on board the AEM Manufacturing Express, where they were joined by Megan Weiler Green, Joel Weiler, Katelyn Weiler Freeseman, and Kip Eideberg, for the 14.6 miles drive over to Knoxville and the second event of the day. As the bus pulled into Weiler they were greeted by a sea of equipment manufacturing workers sporting Manufacturing Month t-shirts as well as the company’s newest capital investment – a large horizontal machining center that had been delivered earlier that morning. Following remarks to more than 600 employees, they got a first-hand look at investments made to the manufacturing operations (no fewer than 9 expansions since the company started in 2000).
“Joining the AEM Manufacturing Express tour with Governor Reynolds was an incredible experience,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa). “Visiting Vermeer and Weiler showcased Iowa’s leadership in family-owned equipment manufacturing. I really enjoyed meeting the dedicated men and women behind these businesses, they truly are the backbone of our nation’s success.”
Manufacturing Month is not only an opportunity to celebrate the grit, determination, and can-do spirit of the 2.3 million men and women who build equipment in America, but also to take stock of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Much of the discussion during the two stops focused on how to stop the regulatory onslaught, ensure the continued growth and upskilling of the manufacturing workforce, and bolster global competitiveness.
“We could not think of a better way to celebrate Manufacturing Month than to bring the AEM Manufacturing Express back to Iowa,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Equipment manufacturers are the backbone of the American economy, and here in Iowa they are building prosperity for the thousands of communities and millions of families throughout the state who depend on them. We are grateful to Governor Reynolds and Representative Miller-Meeks for their steadfast leadership on behalf of our industry and their unwavering support for the men and women who make things in America.”
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