AEM Captures American Manufacturing with Award Winning 'Through the Lens’ Photo Series

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) recently released the third installment of its award-winning ‘Through the Lens’ photo series, depicting action shots of some of the 2.3 million people on the frontlines of the nation’s equipment manufacturing industry.

The series is part of AEM’s broader efforts to spotlight an industry that is often overlooked, and highlight the vital role it plays in small towns and communities across the country. It showcases how the equipment manufacturing industry is creating new, high-skilled jobs while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Documentary photographer Brad Romano captured workers at six equipment manufacturing facilities across the Southwest: Landoll (Marysville, KS), Harper Industries (Harper, KS), Great Plains Manufacturing (Salina, KS), Ditch Witch (Perry, OK), McElroy Manufacturing (Tulsa, OK), and Versalift (Waco, TX). 

“Every three years, this project captures the enduring spirit of America’s equipment manufacturers,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s senior vice president of government and industry relations. “These are the welders, machinists, assemblers, and technicians who represent the best of American manufacturing. As policymakers debate how to ‘bring jobs back to America,’ we want to remind them that 2.3 million of those jobs are already here, and they are the backbone of small towns and communities across our great country.”