They say all good things come to an end…
After spending the entire month of August engaging with AEM members throughout Texas, the AEM Manufacturing Express closed out its tour of the Lone Star State last week. The final few stops of the tour brought AEM staff and leadership to equipment manufacturers in and around Houston to help raise awareness of policies impacting the industry.
“The 2.3 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry are essential to our quality of life, our national security, and the long-term prosperity of small towns and communities,” said AEM Senior Vice President of Kip Eideberg in an interview about the tour with RFD-TV last month. “That’s really what the AEM Manufacturing Express is all about. We want to shine a light on them, the unsung heroes, who are making our way of life possible.”
The month-long tour of Texas built upon the historic success of last year’s award-winning, cross-country AEM Manufacturing Express public engagement initiative. However, instead of visiting 80 facilities across 20 states like it did in 2024, AEM visited 22 facilities across one state last month. And instead of raising awareness of the industry’s policy priorities during an election year, this year’s tour helped equipment manufacturers and their employees to make their voices heard on the policies made in Washington, D.C. and the Texas state capital.
Texas proved to be the perfect destination for the AEM Manufacturing Express this summer. The state is the unequivocal equipment manufacturing capital of America, supporting 345,000 jobs and adding $49.5 billion to the state’s economy – more than any other state. From a kick-off event and facility grand opening on Aug. 1 at NXG Truck Bodies to a tour close-out last Friday, Aug. 29 at Tadano America Corporation, the tour engaged lawmakers, highlighted best-in-class facilities and talented employes, as well as recruited I Make America supporters to help the industry advocate for pro-manufacturing policies.
The tour’s final week opened with a visit to Sugar Land, Texas for a celebration at Heavy Construction Systems Specialists (HCSS). Local Mayor Carol McCutcheon joined AEM staff to recognize HCSS as a software leader that has served the heavy civil construction industry for nearly four decades. In addition, the company has made its presence felt in the Sugar Land community by supporting local initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, running back-to-school drives, and contributing hurricane relief efforts.
Then it was off to Mahindra USA on Tuesday. More than 300 employees assemble tractors and utility vehicles at the company’s Houston facility, which welcomed the AEM Manufacturing Express along with University of Houston mascots Sasha and Shasta for a day spent touring the facility, engaging the students, and learning about how AEM helps its members build, power, and feed the world.
“For over 30 years, Mahindra Ag North America has proudly stood at the intersection of innovation and purpose in the U.S. manufacturing landscape. This event provided a chance to celebrate manufacturing, our legacy, and to connect with AEM and students to explore career opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing,” said Viren Popli, president and CEO of Mahindra Ag North America in a newly published blog on manufacturingexpress.org.
One notable aspect of the event was the unveiling of the winner of Mahindra’s 12th annual Military Salute Giveaway, which honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel. Lt. Colonel George Knight, retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves, was awarded the newly debuted ROXOR Independence Edition, a limited edition, off-road, heavy-duty utility vehicle distinguished by a bold, patriotic hood design that pays tribute to America’s armed forces.
From there, the AEM Manufacturing Express moved east toward the Gulf of Mexico for back-to-back Wednesday stops in Deer Park at U.S. Lubricants and CICB. U.S. Lubricants’ Houston-area facility is its Gulf Coast hub, complementing existing operations in Wisconsin, Maryland, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, the CICB visit marked the 100th stop of the AEM Manufacturing Express since the inaugural tour commenced in July of 2004. Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mount joined AEM and CICB employees to showcase how CICB training programs give visitors a firsthand look at how the company prepares workers for safe and successful careers across industries.
“There’s nothing that’s more beneficial to my community as a mayor than having a good economic base and good-paying jobs. To have CICB here as an invested partner in our community, knowing that these are the type of companies that are putting the next generation of the workforce forward—it ensures that the future of our community will be strong. This sector is a driving engine that pushes Texas forward, and I would argue in most cases that Texas is what is driving the nation,” said Mayor Mount.
The penultimate stop on the AEM Manufacturing Express Texas tour brought the bus to Kobelco USA on Thursday to get an up-close-and-personal look at the company’s $6.5 million facility set on 15 acres in Hockley, Texas. Known as the “Kobelco Ranch,” it provides the company with a locale for operators to test machines, for dealers to expand product knowledge, and for Kobelco to strengthen long-term partnerships.
“When people get into this industry, they never get out because it’s so fantastic,” said Kobelco Product Development & Marketing Director Dan Collins. “Here, you really see the heart of our company. How many places do you have the vice president or senior leaders coming out every week to sit down with dealers and customers? That’s what makes this place special.”
One day later, the AEM Manufacturing Express August tour came to a close in Houston at Tadano America Corporation. And while this summer (much like last year’s) was certainly one to remember, it won’t be the last time the Manufacturing Express on the road in the weeks and months ahead. Additional stops are scheduled at The Utility Expo in Louisville and Link-Belt Cranes in October, so stay tuned for more details.
Learn More!
AEM’s award-winning public engagement initiative returned this summer to visit 22 facilities across the state of Texas throughout the month of August. Read more about the AEM Manufacturing Express’s month-long tour of Texas at manufacturingexpress.org.
