The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) held an open house last Thursday to showcase its new headquarters and inform visitors on its work and the industry it serves.

"We wanted to use this opportunity to share our enthusiasm for our work and workplace with members and our industry, business and community associates and friends," AEM president Dennis Slater said.

Visitors who entered the new AEM office were greeted by dozens of detailed machinery models, many decades old.

"Our members' machines, products and services have contributed to the economic process and quality of life in countries around the world," Slater said.

Milwaukee mural artist Reynaldo Hernandez was at the event, executing a colourful mural depicting AEM's industry segments. Videos were played on large screens showing the AEM office under construction and the industry's positive contributions.

Displays in the office spotlighted association activities like the safety and training materials used to build safe working environments, the 'Construct My Future' careers website, children's colouring books to stimulate interest in construction, and the international trade shows co-owned and produced by AEM.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG was the largest trade show of any industry in the US last year and ICUEE-The Demo Expo was third largest. In May, AEM held its inaugural show for China and Asia Pacific, CONEXPO Asia, in Beijing, China. AEM also produces the International Expo for Power Transmission and World of Asphalt.

After 30 years, AEM moved from a previous location in downtown Milwaukee to the former Allis-Chalmers tractor manufacturing plant in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin suburb of West Allis. AEM said it had expanded its scope and services and needed more space and a reconfigured design.

Visit www.aem.org for more information.