Kobelco USA recognised as Pillar of Industry

Kobelco Construction Machinery USA, which produces crawler excavators from 3,000 to 245,000 lb including demolition models, has been honoured with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) prestigious Pillar of the Industry award.

The AEM – the North American-based international trade group comprising 850 companies – presented the company with the award for its active participation in the association's “I Make America” campaign and efforts to improve the equipment manufacturing industry’s business environment.

To be eligible for the award, Kobelco had to meet a series of qualifications. It achieved this status by hosting an elected AEM official during the groundbreaking ceremony of its US production facility, meeting with a Congressional Representative in Washington DC and holding an “I Make America” sign-up event at its North American headquarters, among other criteria.

“We take great pride in being an influence that shapes the manufacturing industry of America,” says Pete Morita, president of Kobelco USA.

“Our dedication to growing the equipment manufacturing industry and supporting the creation of new jobs across the US helps to ‘make America’ every day.”

AEM president Dennis Slater said: “We are proud to give our Pillar of the Industry award to Kobelco to recognise its efforts to go above and beyond daily business and become a champion for our entire industry.”

The AEM honoured Kobelco with the award at its annual conference held last month. The awards ceremony coincided with the fifth anniversary of the “I Make America” campaign, which encourages member companies and their employees to become champions for the industry on manufacturing issues.