KATY, TX  KOBELCO Construction Machinery USA was recently honored with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' (AEM) prestigious Pillar of the Industry Award. AEM presented KOBELCO with this award for KOBELCO's active participation in AEM's "I Make America" campaign and efforts to improve the equipment manufacturing industry's business environment.

To be eligible for AEM's Pillar of the Industry Award, KOBELCO was required to meet a series of qualifications that captured the many ways in which manufacturers could get involved in their communities and take action in state and national issues. KOBELCO achieved this status by: Hosting an elected AEM official during the groundbreaking ceremony of its U.S. production facility, meeting with a Congressional Representative in Washington D.C. and holding an "I Make America" sign-up event at its North American headquarters, among other criteria.

"KOBELCO takes 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 U.S.helps to "˜make America' every day." 

"AEM is proud to bestow our Pillar of the Industry Award to KOBELCO to recognize their efforts to go above and beyond their daily business and become a champion for our entire industry," said AEM President Dennis Slater. "Because of their commitment to pro-manufacturing solutions, KOBELCO does stand as a "˜pillar' that helps support the foundation of our entire manufacturing economy."

AEM honored KOBELCO with the award at it sannual conference held in Key Biscayne, Florida. The awards ceremony coincided with the fifth anniversary for AEM's successful "I Make America" campaign, AEM's principal grassroots advocacy program which engages AEM member companies and their employees to become champions for the industry onmanufacturing issues.