ABOUT AEM
Advancing equipment manufacturers in the global marketplace; our passion is to not only see your business succeed, but to create a community where we, as an industry, can make positive and lasting change
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Become an AEM Member
Core Purpose
AEM is the leading organization in North America advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners in the global marketplace. In enabling growth together, AEM and its members build momentum for the equipment manufacturing industry and the markets it serves. View the 2023 Annual Report.
Resource Spotlight
Member Directory
AEM is 1,000+ members strong and growing, representing 200+ product lines.
AEM by the Numbers.
Make valuable connections, boost your knowledge, and grow your bottom line.
961 Construction
529 Agriculture
507 Mining
537 Utility
379 Forestry
AEM's Strategic Plan 2025-2027
Our new strategic plan represents the association’s focus for the future and ensures we meet the needs of our member companies as our industry rapidly evolves. View the full Strategic Plan & Priorities.
Here are our strategic goals:
- Voice – Unify, lead and champion the industry to advance its shared priorities
- Value – Drive member prosperity through increased engagement with AEM’s portfolio of resources
- Vision – Leverage collective member intelligence to accelerate data-driven solutions that empowers member company growth
AEM History
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) robust history began 125+ years ago from a unique vantage point – its industry segments came together to create a fundamentally more powerful voice and advocate for the off-road equipment manufacturing industry.
For more than a century, the AEM has provided a manufacturer forum for industry- wide action that transcends individual member company size, product line or individual business concerns. Companies participating in AEM work together for the betterment of the industry and public needs, at the state, national, provincial and international levels.
AEM built on the successes and continued the legacy of its founding groups – the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI). Both groups had a common goal – advocating for better roads that brought products to market faster, safer and more efficiently.
AEM Timeline
2020
2020
AEM changes the ICUEE show name to The Utility Expo. It’s a clear name with one clear purpose: to be the show where the entire utility industry goes to grow.
2019
2019
AEM becomes a partner and member of Commodity Classic’s management committee.
2018
2018
AEM acquires data analytics company Hargrove & Associates.
2017
2017
AEM debuts 'Thinking Forward' event series - designed to provide members with a vision of the future as they prepare to face critical challenges to their businesses.
2015
2015
CONEXPO Latin America was held for the first time in Santiago, Chile.
2002
2002
IFPE is co-located with CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The show was previously held in Chicago beginning in 1984 by NFPA.
2002
2002
The Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI) consolidated into AEM - the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
2001
2001
World of Asphalt was first held and rotates between cities in the U.S.
1999
1999
CONEXPO-CON/AGG becomes the United States’ largest tradeshow across all industries for 1999.
1997
1997
CIMA opens China office.
1989
1989
The Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute (formerly National Association of Agricultural Implement and Vehicle Manufacturers) made their final name change to the Equipment Manufacturers Institute.
1980s
1980s
(EMI) became ICUEE (now known as The Utility Expo) show owner and producer after providing industry direction. First held in Louisville in 1987.
1970s
1970s
CIMA broadened its membership to include companies from around the world in recognition of the increasingly global scope of the industry.
1969
1969
CIMA introduces its first safety manual.
1966
1966
The forerunner of ICUEE (now known as The Utility Expo) was first held – known as the “Elburn show” held in a field in Elburn, Illinois.
1956
1956
The “Combined Biennial Show,” the predecessor of CON/AGG, was held at the Chicago Coliseum in conjunction with the annual conventions of the NSGA and NRMCA.
1948
1948
American Road Builders Association sponsors the Road Show, predecessor of today’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The first Road Show after World War II is held at Soldier Field, Chicago, and is larger and more diverse than any previously held.
1911
1911
First formal meeting of what eventually became CIMA was a November gathering of the National Association of Material and Machinery Manufacturers (NAMMM).
1894
1894
National Association of Agricultural Implement and Vehicle Manufacturers was established. Several name changes followed to reflect changes in the industry.