Tulsa, Okla. – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and McElroy Manufacturing hosted United States Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) for an I Make America event in Tulsa. The event focused on the importance of the equipment manufacturing industry to the state of Oklahoma and highlighted the policies that will ensure that equipment manufacturers can continue to make investments, hire workers, and produce world-class equipment in the Sooner State.

"Any hard-working manufacturer in the United States can still be held back by our crippling inflation and struggling supply chain. Manufacturing is the backbone of our nation's economy; without it, we would not be able to sustain our economy. Our supply challenges clearly demonstrate the need for more American manufacturing, not less. I am grateful to maintain an ongoing dialogue with McElroy and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to fight for regulatory certainty so they can grow their business, protect jobs and increase their competitiveness worldwide. The remarkable people at McElroy all know first-hand the challenges we face and solutions that will grow our nation, " said James Lankford, United States Senate.

Lankford toured McElroy's Admiral facility, one of their three manufacturing facilities in Tulsa and participated in a townhall with employees on the factory floor. During the visit, the Senator touched on the policies needed to revitalize America’s manufacturing base, strengthen supply chains, and position U.S. workers and businesses to compete and lead globally in the 21st century.

AEM is working closely with congressional leaders from both parties to swiftly reach agreement on bipartisan legislation that will boost U.S. economic competitiveness and capacity for innovation. A strong bipartisan legislation that fully funds the CHIPS Act, bolsters supply chain resiliency, advances and grows U.S. international trade, and strengthens U.S. energy innovation leadership will enable the United States to better compete in the global economy and create more jobs in communities across the country.

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to host Sen. Lankford again at McElroy and have the opportunity to further advocate for American manufacturing,” said McElroy CEO and President Chip McElroy. “As a company, we understand the importance of a strong manufacturing sector in the United States, and it is important we stay engaged with our political leaders to ensure our voices are heard.”

“AEM greatly appreciates Senator Lankford's unwavering focus on strengthening U.S. manufacturing, countering Chinese threats to our economic and national security, and delivering more opportunities for the 2.8 million men and women who make the equipment that builds, powers, and feeds the world,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s senior vice president of government and industry relations. “At a time of rising geopolitical risk and increasing competition from abroad, it is vital that we advance legislation that helps American businesses accelerate innovation, drive economic growth, create family-sustaining jobs, and out-compete the rest of the world.

About AEM
AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry supports 2.8 million jobs in the U.S. Equipment manufacturers also contribute $288 billion a year to the U.S. economy. Visit aem.org/advocacy for more information.